The Philippines–Finland Friendship Week is bringing global career opportunities closer to Filipino professionals, as four Finnish recruitment firms—Bondata, Silkkitie, Amiko, and Barona—arrive in the country to promote transparent, ethical, and sustainable recruitment for work in Finland.
The visit is designed to deepen cooperation between the two nations while giving Filipino workers clear, first-hand information about living and working in Finland. Throughout the week, the Finnish delegation is meeting with key institutions including the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the International Organization for Migration, alongside trusted private recruitment agencies, to reinforce fair hiring practices, worker protection, and safe migration pathways.
At the heart of the program is a job fair at Megatrade Hall, Level 5 of SM Megamall (Mega B), offering roles across services and hospitality as well as in-demand industrial positions such as welders and Computer Numerical Control machinists.
The event is positioned not just as a recruitment drive, but as an information hub where applicants can better understand employment terms, labor rights, and long-term career prospects in Finland.
Adding a distinctly Finnish touch, Santa Claus—symbolic of Finland’s identity as his official home—will make a special appearance at the Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall. Families accompanying job seekers may visit Santa before heading to the job fair, underscoring the event’s welcoming and people-centered atmosphere. Entry to the job fair requires prior registration through the official DMW Job Fair Portal.
“Our goal is to help companies in Finland and individual talents from abroad find the right match, and to support both sides throughout the journey,” said Elina Santalahti, Executive Vice President for Global Talent Solutions at Barona. She noted that Barona has been recruiting Filipino professionals for more than 15 years, building deep expertise anchored on ethical and sustainable practices.
The timing of the initiative reflects Finland’s pressing workforce needs. By 2040, nearly half of the country’s workforce is expected to retire, creating significant gaps in social and health services, business and sales, and industrial sectors.
To sustain economic growth, Finland estimates it will need around 1.37 million new workers over the next 15 years. With its young, skilled, and globally competitive talent pool, the Philippines is seen as a natural partner in meeting this demand.
“Our focus is on stable, long-term employment,” said Rebekka Kiljunen, Partnership Director at Bondata. She emphasized that the company specializes in permanent roles and provides continuous support to workers as they transition and settle into life in Finland, reinforcing a people-first approach to global recruitment.
Finnish representatives also highlighted the country’s collective agreement–based labor system, which guarantees equal and transparent working conditions for all employees. International hires receive the same starting salary as Finnish workers in comparable roles, with pay progression determined solely by experience and qualifications. Equal pay applies from the very first day of employment.
“Finland stands for fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity,” said Joonas Halla, Business Development Manager of Work in Finland. He stressed the importance of giving Filipino professionals accurate information so they can make informed decisions about building long-term careers abroad.
Halla added that Filipino workers moving to Finland are granted residence permits, not just temporary visas, allowing them full access to public services and a smoother integration into Finnish society.
Finnish authorities further reiterated the country’s strict no-placement-fee policy. Recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging applicants any fees, and violations are treated as serious offenses under Finland’s worker protection laws.
More information on working and living in Finland is available through the official Work in Finland website at www.workinfinland.com.