Four leading Finnish recruitment companies—Bondata, Silkkitie, Amiko, and Barona—are visiting the Philippines as part of the Friendship Week program to provide Filipino professionals with firsthand insights on living and working in Finland while promoting ethical, transparent recruitment practices.
The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure Filipino talents have safe, reliable pathways to Finnish employment. During the week, the delegation will meet with key institutions including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and accredited private recruitment agencies to discuss fair hiring practices, migrant support programs, and safe recruitment channels.
To provide direct access to opportunities, a job fair will be held at Megatrade Hall, 5th Level, SM Megamall (Mega B). Openings cover service and hospitality roles, as well as industrial positions such as welders and CNC machinists.
Adding a festive touch, Santa Claus will greet families at the Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall—celebrating Finland as the official home of Santa Claus. Interested participants must register to attend the job fair via the official DMW Job Fair Portal: https://jobfairportal.dmw.gov.ph.
Ethical Recruitment for Long-Term Careers
“Our goal is to help companies in Finland and global talent find the perfect match while supporting both sides,” said Elina Santalahti, EVP of Global Talent Solutions at Barona. “With over 15 years of experience recruiting Filipino professionals, we prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in all our operations.”
Finland faces a significant workforce shift, with nearly half of its employees expected to retire by 2040. Key demand is projected in social and health services, business, sales, and industrial sectors, requiring 1.37 million new workers. The Philippines, with its young and skilled talent pool, is ideally positioned to meet this need.
“Our focus is on creating stable, long-term employment,” said Rebekka Kiljunen, Partnership Director at Bondata. “We offer reliable, people-centered pathways for Filipino professionals to build meaningful careers and lives in Finland.”
Fair and Transparent Working Conditions
Finland guarantees consistent, fair working conditions through its collective agreement system. International professionals receive the same starting salary as Finnish employees in comparable roles, with pay progression based on experience. Equal pay principles are applied from day one.
“Finland values fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity,” said Joonas Halla, Business Development Manager of Work in Finland. “Filipino workers will receive residence permits, giving them full rights and access to public services while integrating into local communities.”
Finnish authorities strictly enforce a no-placement-fee policy. Recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging applicants any fees, with violations considered serious offenses under Finnish labor laws.
For more information about working and living in Finland, visit www.workinfinland.com.
