The Finnish government passed a decree on Thursday, February 6, tightening entry requirements for seasonal berry pickers.
Until now, foreign berry pickers could enter Finland with a Schengen tourist visa, allowing them to stay in the country for up to three months.
However, in 2024, as part of efforts to combat labor exploitation, Finnish authorities classified wild berry picking as an activity primarily based on seasonal work, which should be regulated under appropriate labor laws.
“From now on, foreign berry pickers will enter Finland as seasonal workers. This change will make it easier to monitor compliance with workers’ rights and ensure they receive a sufficient level of income,” the statement reads.
The new rules will take effect on February 17 and do not apply to Finnish citizens or residents already living in the country.
