Those granted temporary protection can work immediately after receiving permit decision – Leaflet by the MEAE advises people fleeing Ukraine on finding employment

Those granted temporary protection have the right to work without any restrictions or delay as soon as they have received a decision on temporary protection. They do not need to wait for a residence permit card. They can also register as jobseekers at the TE Office and receive employment support services, says an instructional leaflet prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE). 

More than four million people have already fled the war in Ukraine to other countries. It is estimated that about 40,000−80,000 of them will come to Finland. Finland has decided to grant temporary protection to all those fleeing the war in Ukraine if they apply for it. 

Those granted temporary protection have the right to work freely as soon as they have received a decision on temporary protection. In future, those granted temporary protection will receive notice of the decision on temporary protection more quickly, which will enable them to enter the labour market faster. They do not need to wait for a residence permit card.

Those receiving temporary protection can register as customers of the TE Office and receive employment support services, such as language training, according to the instructions prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment aimed at people fleeing from Ukraine.  

No fees for arranging employment in Finland

Many of those fleeing the war in Ukraine are of working age. They have various skills and many are well-educated. The Ministry’s instructions describe the right to work based on different residence permits and visa-free stays as well as the employment services available to those granted temporary protection. 

The instructions also call attention to the fact that the terms of employment and pay apply to everyone in Finland, and that no fees may be charged from the employee for the job or for arranging employment for them. The leaflet provides advice on where to seek help in case of inappropriate treatment.  

The instructions are distributed to those arriving from Ukraine at ports, airports, reception centres and various information and advice points. They are also available on social media. In addition to Finnish, the instructions will be available in Ukrainian, Russian, Swedish and English.

Statistics on those fleeing the war lag behind

More than 15,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine have already applied for international protection in Finland. Most of them have applied for temporary protection.

However, the number of people who have fled the war is more than that because those arriving from Ukraine with a biometric passport can also enter Finland visa-free and reside here for three months. The right to work of those arriving without a visa is very limited. 

Approximately 7,200 Ukrainians resided in Finland permanently before the start of the war. Many Ukrainians have also been employed as seasonal workers in agriculture and forestry in recent years. 

Inquiries:
Susanna Piepponen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 047 990