Finland Targets India for Talent Boost Program Amid Ageing Population Concerns

By Jace December 28, 2024
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In a bid to address its ageing population and declining workforce, Finland has identified India as a priority for its Talent Boost programme. The initiative, aimed at attracting international students, researchers, and workers, underscores Finland’s strategy to strengthen its labour market with skilled professionals from India.

The Finnish Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta, highlighted India’s significant contribution to Finland’s international student population, noting that over 2,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Finland. Most of these students are enrolled in science, technology, and business courses offered in English, making Finnish universities an appealing destination for Indian students.

The Talent Boost programme, coordinated by Finland’s ministries of economic affairs, employment, and education, seeks to increase education-based and work-based immigration. By 2030, Finland aims to host 15,000 international students and boost labour immigration to 30,000 annually. This strategic initiative aligns with Finland’s objective of addressing the projected rise in its population over 65 years old, which is expected to reach nearly 30% by 2030.

Finland is also keen on attracting Indian caregivers to enhance its health services. “India is a key source for skilled caregivers,” said Lähdevirta, emphasising the need for deeper cooperation in the education sector to facilitate this.

In addition to student recruitment, Finland’s educational institutions are expanding their presence in India’s K-12 sector, with Finland International School recently opening a campus in Guwahati and planning another in Chandigarh.

As Finland and India celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the Talent Boost programme marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering greater educational collaboration between the two nations.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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