Finland Rejects Majority of Seasonal Work Visas for Wild Berry Pickers
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has processed approximately 1,600 of the 2,200 seasonal work visa applications submitted this year for wild berry picking, with nearly 90% of those processed being rejected. The majority of rejections stem from concerns over worker exploitation and employers’ failure to comply with statutory obligations.
Of the total applications, around 2,100 were submitted at Finland’s embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, while smaller numbers came from Kazakhstan, Kenya, Vietnam, Nepal, and India (Yle). The Ministry for Foreign Affairs states that the primary reason for refusal is uncertainty over whether employers can fulfill their legal responsibilities, including providing fair working conditions and proper accommodation (Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs).
Legislative Changes and Increased Scrutiny
The high rejection rate follows an amendment to the Seasonal Workers Act, which came into force in February 2025. The change brought wild berry pickers under labour legislation, requiring them to enter Finland under a formal employment contract and apply for a seasonal work visa or residence permit. The reform aims to improve worker protections and prevent labour exploitation (Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs).
In assessing applications, authorities have relied on reports from the Finnish Supervisory Agency, as well as information from other agencies, including recent allegations of serious criminal offences in the wild berry sector. Katja Luopajärvi, Director of the Visa Unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, emphasised that the processing of visas is guided by legal obligations to combat labour exploitation and human trafficking (Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs).
Employer Responsibilities and Ongoing Risks
While the Ministry for Foreign Affairs plays a key role in visa processing, companies employing foreign berry pickers bear the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with employment terms, occupational safety, and workers' rights. However, the high rejection rate suggests persistent risks in the sector, with authorities unable to verify that employers will meet their obligations (Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs).
The majority of applications—around 1,400—were denied due to these concerns, leaving only a small fraction approved for the upcoming berry-picking season (Helsingin Sanomat).