For the first time, the MoniSuomi 2022 survey and interview data have provided broad information about what immigrants in the Helsinki metropolitan area themselves perceive as their main reason for moving to Finland.
Around one in four immigrants in the metropolitan area have come to Finland because of their employment, slightly more than one in ten have come for their studies, and slightly less than one in ten have come because of their spouse’s employment or studies. The share of those with a refugee background is around one in five, including family members. Other reasons for immigration include a wide range of life situations, including marriage to someone of Finnish origin.
Reason for immigration is reflected in employment and integration
The MoniSuomi 2022 survey shows that those who have come for work have the best position in the labour market, which is evident not only in employment but also in the quality of employment relationships. Proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is crucial for securing a job, but many have found employment even without speaking either national language.
In all the groups based on the reason for immigration, men’s employment situation is better than that of women. The gender gap is largest in the group with a refugee background. Those with a refugee background also face various life challenges more frequently than other groups.
Social relationships and contacts are important, but many lack them
A significant share of those employed have found jobs through social relationships and networks or direct contact with employers. Many also believe that the lack of relationships with the native population has hindered their employment opportunities.
Many immigrants living in the Helsinki metropolitan area suffer from a lack of friends or have only a few friends, and feelings of loneliness are common. Experiences of discrimination are unfortunately widespread, occurring not only in public places but also in the workplace.
We need information about immigrants’ perceptions and experiences
The data collection of the MoniSuomi 2022 survey was carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and funded by the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Turku, as well as the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. The survey focused on the foreign-born, foreign-background population aged between 20 and 74. The topics studied included living conditions, life situations, health, well-being and service use. The data were collected between September 2022 and March 2023 using an online form, paper form and telephone interviews.