Working in Finland brochure combats exploitation in 24 languages – Seasonal workers’ advisory service operates again this summer

The Working in Finland brochure, published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, is now available in 24 languages to inform workers about their rights and where to find help in case of suspected exploitation. A multilingual advisory service for seasonal workers also combats exploitation of labour. 

The Working in Finland brochure explains the terms of employment in Finland and provides information about the measures workers should take in case of exploitation at work. The brochure includes updated links to organisations and authorities where workers can obtain help if needed.

The booklet, which has been designed together with Victim Support Finland (RIKU) and other stakeholders, is written in simple language. It also includes a section on occupational safety and health. 

Printed booklets will be handed out by Finnish diplomatic missions and the Finnish Immigration Service to workers with a residence permit or seasonal work permit, for example. The brochure is also available online as a browser version and in a printable PDF format.

Brochure available in all key languages

In addition to Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, Ukrainian, Nepalese and Thai, the Working in Finland booklet is now published in 17 other languages too. The new languages are French, Arabic, Albanian, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Chinese, Turkish, Farsi, Sorani, Bengali, Dari, Hindi, Urdu, Somali, Bosnian, Spanish and Portuguese. The booklet is now available in the most important languages, whose speakers usually need a permission when they come to Finland for work.

“The importance of foreign labour for the Finnish economy continues to grow. At the same time, we must make sure that fair terms of employment apply to everyone working in Finland. I am pleased that the Working in Finland brochure can now serve as many foreign workers as possible,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

Advisory service helps victims of exploitation

An advisory service for seasonal workers also combats exploitation of labour. The service for seasonal workers and other workers from abroad is available on weekdays from 16 May until 9 September. RIKU is responsible for the practical operation of the counselling service. 

The service is intended for those looking for information on the terms of employment in Finland and those who suspect they have been exploited. Workers are advised on matters such as lawful terms of employment, living conditions and hygiene standards, and available legal remedies. With the worker’s permission, the matter can also be transferred to an authority for further investigation. 

“The Government has introduced a number of measures to prevent exploitation. This helpline is a concrete measure to help people who may have become victims of exploitation,” Haatainen adds.

Services are also available through an interpreter

The service provides advice in Russian, English, Finnish and Swedish over the phone and by instant messaging. If necessary, an interpreter is provided for other languages.

The service can be contacted by phone +358 (0) 40 664 1707 or email at help(at)riku.fi. The service is open at 11-13 and 15-18. It is also available online on the RIKU website (see link below).

Videos also combat exploitation

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has also produced two videos explaining the rules of working life in Finland, in order to prevent the exploitation of labour and human trafficking, and to provide information on where to seek help if necessary. 

In particular, the videos are intended for people fleeing Ukraine who can apply for temporary protection. The Ministry posts the videos on its social media channels, but its partners are welcome to share them too. 

Inquiries:
Working in Finland brochure, Tero Mikkola, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 504 7290 
Advisory service, Olli Sorainen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 504 8022 
Advisory service, Pia Marttila, Victim Support Finland (RIKU), tel. +358 40 630 9669  
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment videos, Hanna Säntti, Communications Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 076