Share of foreign citizens among unemployed jobseekers highest ever measured

In May, the number of unemployed foreign jobseekers totalled 41,510, which is 16 per cent of all unemployed jobseekers. The increase in the number of foreign unemployed jobseekers can be explained by the general growth in the number of foreigners in Finland.

The figures in the Employment Bulletin for May 2024 show that:

• In May, the number of unemployed foreign jobseekers totalled 41,510, which is 16 per cent of all unemployed jobseekers. The number of unemployed foreign jobseekers increased 17 per cent (6,038 persons) from the previous year. 
  • The share of foreign unemployed jobseekers was the highest ever measured. The increase in the number of foreign unemployed jobseekers can be explained by the general growth in the number of foreigners in Finland, which is also reflected in the distribution of nationalities among unemployed jobseekers.
• According to the Labour Force Survey, the employment rate of foreigners was 60.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2024. 
  • The figure remained approximately at the same level as at the end of 2023, which may indicate that the bottom of the fall in the employment rate, caused by the economic downturn, has been reached. The employment rate of foreigners remained markedly higher in the first half of 2023 than before the coronavirus crisis. 
  • An increasing number of Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection are now part of the Labour Force Survey’s sample. Despite the challenging conditions, Ukrainians have been able to find employment relatively well. Nonetheless, their employment rate is, at least for the time being, lower than average, which may negatively affect the employment rate of all foreigners. The employment rate of Ukrainians staying in Finland can be expected to increase in the future as human capital supporting employment grows over time.

On the basis of the register data of the Employment Service Statistics and the survey data of the Labour Force Survey, the Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration publishes a monthly review of employment among foreign citizens and foreign-language speakers and of their participation in employment promotion services.

June 2024 overview of unemployment of foreign citizens and foreign-language speakers and their participation in employment promotion services (in Finnish only)

More information:
Employment Bulletins