The Finnish authorities have said that despite deciding to suspend the visa issuance for berry pickers from Thailand, the country will continue to process with special attention applications submitted by nationals of other countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland said there is no reason to stop processing other applications as long as they take into consideration every small detail that has to do with applicants. As informed by a news report in Schengen Visa.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no grounds to suspend the issuance of visas completely, but the applications must be processed. Any applications are accepted, and each application is processed individually, in accordance with the visa regulations,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

The Ministry has already suggested changes to the law regarding the status of berry pickers from other countries coming to work in Finland. However, since such changes take time, the Ministry said that the authorities must continue processing applications awaiting a response.

In order to avoid any problems and the exploitation of seasonal workers, the Ministry said that the Finnish authorities would carefully assess each application. It has been stressed that during the processing the authorities will focus on the reliability of the information, the purpose of the trip, and the risks related to human trafficking, among others.

“During the processing, the purpose of the trip, the risk of human trafficking, the reliability of the information provided in the application and the available funds are carefully assessed, among other things,” the Ministry highlighted.

Regarding the status of foreign berry pickers obtaining a Finnish visa to work in the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already suggested that natural berry picking should be brought under the scope of the Seasonal Work Act.

A proposal to amend the seasonal work regulation was previously prepared by the Finnish Ministry of Labour and Economy. The Ministry required that the country makes such changes that would allow berry pickers to enter Finland as seasonal workers in the future. In addition, this change would also give the right to berry pickers to benefit from free healthcare while in Finland and compensation.

A seasonal work visa issued by the Finnish authorities allows all of its holders to work in Finland for a maximum period of 90 days. In general, seasonal work visas for berry pickers are issued the most in late spring as the harvest season approaches. The Finnish government’s plan against the exploitation of foreign workers is expected to be completed this spring. The plans will provide guidelines for everyone.