Finland: Happiest Country In World Seeks To Attract Immigrants. Know Why

Finland is facing a severe labor shortage as its working-age population is decreasing rapidly. In 2009, 17 percent of Finland's population was over the age of 65. Today, Finland is second only to Japan in terms of the elderly population.

Finland

Firnland: It is said that there is no one in Finland who is unhappy. But the happiest country in the world is unhappy due to its aging population. Due to this, there has been a human labor crisis in the country. People are not opting to work. In such a situation, Finland wants people from other countries to come and live here. Saku Tihveren of Talented Solutions, a recruitment agency, told a news agency, "It is now widely accepted that we need a large population in the country. We need to replace the aging workforce with the youth. We need workers."

The happiest country is unhappy?

According to the United Nations, 39.2 per cent of its workforce aare over 65 years of age. Finland is second only to Japan in terms of the elderly population. The United Nations has projected that the elderly dependency ratio in Finland will increase to 47.5 percent by 2030. To meet the shortfall, there is a need to increase the number of migrants from 20 thousand to 30 thousand every year.

It is noteworthy that, Finland the happiest country in the world, is known for its quality of life, facilities, and lack of corruption. Finland has topped the 'World Happiness Report 2021' released by the United Nations. Considering the happiness quotient, it has succeeded in securing the first position fourth time in a row. Charles Mathies, a researcher at the Finnish Academy, said: "Finland is going through a difficult time today, after many years of trade and government inaction. The working population is aging and we need to replace it ." 

Is there a fault in the system?

Many political and social problems are said to be behind the immigrants not coming to Finland. In Finland, It is relatively easy for a person to get a job and settle down as long as he or she is single, but the spouses may find it difficult to get a job. People also do not want to settle in Finland because of anti-immigrant sentiment. Finland is a member country of the European Union. It was under Russian rule till 1917. But, after the 1917 revolution in Russia, Finland declared itself independent. In 1906, men and women were given the right to vote and contest elections. Thus, Finland became the first country in the world to adopt gender equality.