The Ministry for International Affairs suspended the giving of visas to Thai berry pickers in Nov 2022. The Ministry mentioned as grounds for the suspension certain ambiguities concerning wild-berry picking, including risk of trafficking in human beings, an ongoing police investigation in Finland and the possible amendments to the status of wild-berry pickers prepared by the Ministry associated with Economic Affairs and Work.
The Ministry regarding Foreign Affairs has been from the view that wild-berry picking should fall within the scope of the Seasonal Workers Take action and that berry pickers should have a contractual employment connection so that visas could be released on the basis of seasonal work. This could clarify the status of both wild-berry pickers and the companies employing them.
On nine February, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Work stated that it is not possible in order to clarify the status of wild-berry pickers by amending the Seasonal Workers Decree alone and that instead the situation requires more comprehensive modifications to the relevant legislation.
As the drafting from the necessary amendments will take period, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has no grounds to carry on the suspension of the providing of visas to berry pickers. Possible visa apps will be accepted and each program will be processed individually according to the Visa Code. When processing applications, particular attention will be paid to the reason for stay, the risk of trafficking, the reliability of the information supplied in the application, and the sufficiency of the applicant’s financial resources.
Inquiries
- Jussi Tanner, Director General associated with Consular Services, tel. +358 50 411 0340
- The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname. lastname@formin. fi.
