Ilta-Sanomat has a survey on attitudes to immigration, which is at the top of the agenda for some in Finland.
They found that 52 percent of respondents would like to increase work-based immigration, with 28 percent wanting to keep it at the same level it is now.
The issue is important, as Finland’s birth rate is declining and there is a labour shortage across many fields. But even so, 13 percent of respondents said they want to reduce the numbers of people arriving in Finland to work.
Supporters of one party stood out, however. Finns Party voters were far and away the most negative about the phenomenon, with 43 percent saying they would like to reduce work-based immigration.
In addition, 39 percent said they would maintain the inflow of workers at current levels, while just 11 percent of Finns Party supporters said they would increase work-based immigration.
The issue is likely to come up in government formation talks, with all other parties committed to increasing work-based immigration. Success is not guaranteed, as competition for young, skilled workers is fierce.
For example, Germany recently announced immigration reforms to better attract immigrants as the country grapples with its own demographic challenges.
In Finland, foreign students are less likely to stay, with one recent survey pointing to poor career prospects as a factor.
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