Finland Rejects 1,400 Seasonal Work Visas for Berry Pickers – 87% Refusal Rate

Finland rejects 1,400 seasonal work visas for berry pickers – 87% refusal rate.

HELSINKI — July 8, 2026 — Finland has rejected the vast majority of seasonal work visa applications submitted by foreign workers seeking employment in the country's wild-berry harvesting industry,citing widespread concerns about labor exploitation and employers not fulfilling legal obligations.

Of the 1,600 applications processed so far for the 2026 berry-picking season, approximately 1,400 have been refused – a staggering 87% rejection rate.

Key Statistics at a Glance

Metric	Number
Total applications received	~2,200
Applications processed	~1,600
Applications rejected	~1,400
Rejection rate	~87%
Applications via Bangkok	~2,100

Why So Many Visas Were Rejected

Primary Reason: Employer Non-Compliance

"The main reason for denial is that the mission reviewing the application is not convinced that the employer can meet its responsibilities as an employer."— Katja Luopajärvi, Director of the Visa Unit, Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Visa assessments revealed:

• Indications of labour exploitation risks

• Shortcomings in employers' compliance with statutory obligations

• Recent criminal investigations and legal proceedings against berry industry companies

Legal Duty to Prevent Exploitation

Finnish diplomatic missions are legally required to identify and prevent risks related to labour exploitation and human trafficking when processing visa applications.

"According to the law, it is the responsibility of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Finland's overseas missions to address labor exploitation and human trafficking whenever there are signs of such activities."— Katja Luopajärvi

Major Policy Change: The Seasonal Workers Act 2025

The high rejection rate follows major reforms that brought wild-berry picking under Finland's Seasonal Workers Act.

Before 2025	After February 2025
Berry pickers worked as independent gatherers	Must be employed under formal employment contracts
Limited legal protections	Full coverage under Finnish labour laws
Not subject to seasonal work rules	Must apply for seasonal work visa or residence permit

The legislation, which took effect in February 2025, aims to:

• Improve the status of foreign berry pickers

• Prevent labour exploitation and human trafficking

• Ensure contractual employment relationships rather than informal arrangements

Source Countries & Embassy Impact

Most applications were lodged through Finland's Embassy in Bangkok, which handles applications from Thailand – the main source of seasonal berry pickers.

Smaller numbers of applications were also submitted from:

Country

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Vietnam

Nepal

India

Thai applicants face additional hurdles: New rules require berry pickers to personally appear for interviews at the Finnish embassy in Bangkok – a costly and time-consuming journey for workers living in rural northeastern Thailand, over 500 kilometres from the capital.

Employer Responsibility Remains Paramount

While authorities are strengthening oversight, the government emphasised that companies recruiting foreign berry pickers bear primary responsibility for:

• Ensuring lawful employment conditions

• Providing fair treatment

• Offering adequate accommodation for seasonal workers

• Complying with occupational safety and health regulations

What This Means for Future Applicants

For Workers

• Secure a genuine employment contract with a registered Finnish employer

• Ensure your employer has a clean compliance record

• Apply well in advance (processing times: 4–8 weeks)

• Be prepared for embassy interviews if applying from Thailand

For Employers

• Verify full compliance with Finnish labour laws

• Maintain proper documentation of employment conditions

• Ensure adequate accommodation and fair wages

• Note that criminal investigations involving your company can impact visa approvals

  FAQs: Finland Seasonal Work Visa Rejections 2026

  Q1: Why were so many berry picker visas rejected?

• A: The primary reason is employer non-compliance. Finnish authorities found indications of labour exploitation risks and shortcomings in employers' ability to meet statutory obligations.

  Q2: What is the Seasonal Workers Act 2025?

• A: A Finnish law that brought wild-berry picking under formal employment contracts, requiring berry pickers to apply for seasonal work visas or residence permits instead of working as independent gatherers.

  Q3: Which embassy processed most applications?

• A: Finland's Embassy in Bangkok, which handles applications from Thailand – the main source of seasonal berry pickers.

  Q4: What is the rejection rate for 2026?

• A: Approximately 87% – 1,400 rejections out of 1,600 processed applications.

  Q5: What should future applicants do?

• A: Secure a genuine contract with a registered employer, ensure your employer has a clean compliance record, and apply well in advance.

Official Sources

• Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs: um.fi

• Finnish Immigration Service (Migri): migri.fi

• Enter Finland (online application portal): enterfinland.fi

Related Coverage

Seasonal Work Visa Overview – What you need to know about seasonal work visas worldwide

Complete Guide to Finland Seasonal Work Visa 2026 – Requirements, application process, salaries, rights & expert tips

For the latest Finland visa updates, seasonal work news, and 2026 European immigration developments, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/finland

About the Author: Xavi is an immigration policy analyst and content lead at VisasUpdate.com, covering global migration trends, visa regulations, and employment-based immigration pathways