In a published statement ahead of the visit, The Finnish government, through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has rejected the vast majority of applications seeking seasonal work visas for wild-berry picking in 2026. Approximately 1,600 out of nearly 2,200 applications received this year have been processed, with a conclusive finding that employers fail to meet statutory obligations and pose a risk of worker exploitation. This outcome underscores a critical challenge: ensuring fair labor practices for foreign workers engaged in Finland’s agricultural sector—a sector increasingly reliant on seasonal labour—and highlights the ongoing need for robust oversight.
Background
The shift to seasonal work rules for wild-berry picking was enacted with an amendment to the Seasonal Workers Act that took effect in February 2025. This legislation, designed to improve the position of berry pickers and prevent labour exploitation, mandates contractual employment relationships for foreign workers seeking visas or residence permits. The process now requires applicants to apply for a seasonal work visa or residence permit for seasonal work. This followed previous reports from the Finnish Supervisory Agency on wild-berry picking in 2025 which identified shortcomings in employer compliance with regulations.
Analysis
The Ministry’s decision, primarily based on concerns regarding employers’ ability to fulfil their obligations, reveals a significant gap in enforcement. The statement does not address the volume of applications submitted across Finland’s embassies in Bangkok, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Vietnam, Nepal and India—approximately 2,100 applications were processed at the Embassy in Bangkok. This concentrated processing highlights potential vulnerabilities within specific recruitment channels. Recent allegations of serious criminal offences and legal proceedings within the wild-berry sector are also taken into consideration when assessing visa applications. The Ministry’s actions reflect a cautious approach, prioritizing worker protection over immediate economic needs—a stance consistent with broader European trends concerning migrant labour.
Implications
The increased scrutiny of seasonal work visas has significant implications for Finland’s agricultural sector and regional stability. Dependence on foreign workers during the berry season is a longstanding practice, particularly impacting rural economies. Should employers continue to demonstrate non-compliance with labour laws, it could lead to supply chain disruptions and economic instability in affected regions. The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing international cooperation frameworks concerning labour rights enforcement—particularly given the origin of these applications from countries like Thailand, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Vietnam, Nepal and India.
Outlook
Should the visit yield further evidence of systemic non-compliance amongst employers, the Ministry’s approach is likely to remain firm. If the Finnish Supervisory Agency continues to report on exploitation risks, it may lead to increased scrutiny and potentially prolonged delays in visa processing. This scenario would exacerbate vulnerabilities for both workers seeking employment and berry growers dependent on seasonal labour. Conversely, if the cooperation between authorities across various regions improves, and employers demonstrate a genuine commitment to compliance with regulations—as highlighted by Director Katja Luopajärvi—further applications could be approved.
Conclusion
The Ministry’s decision to reject the majority of seasonal work visa applications for wild-berry pickers in 2026 underscores a fundamental challenge: balancing economic needs with worker protection in an increasingly complex global labour market. The continued effectiveness of this policy hinges on the ability of Finnish authorities and international partners to effectively monitor and address instances of exploitation, leaving open the question of how Finland can ensure fair treatment for its seasonal workforce.