World Immigration News

(Yle)Finland’s immigrant mix is changing sharply

Release Date: 2026-06-25
Media: Yle
Summary: Finland’s immigration patterns have changed significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Russians, Estonians, and Iraqis were the largest immigrant groups in 2019, the main sources of immigrants are now Ukraine, the Philippines, and India, with immigration from Asia rising sharply. The largest group of newcomers, however, continues to be Finnish citizens returning from abroad.

During the first five months of 2025, about 2,600 Finns returned home, while around 2,400 Ukrainians arrived under the EU’s temporary protection scheme. The Finnish government is also considering introducing a points-based labour immigration system similar to those in Canada and Australia.

Although Finland’s population declined slightly due to low birth rates and an ageing population, immigration continues to offset much of the natural population decrease. Statistics Finland expects population growth to resume later this year after statistical adjustments related to emigration to Estonia are completed. However, with fertility remaining nearly 30% below its 2010 level, Finland’s long-term population and workforce growth will continue to depend heavily on net immigration.
Tags: Finland

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