Finland dangles childcare, freebies and residency to lure green professionals of Japan, Hong Kong to settle in the ‘world’s happiest country’
- Professionals and investors in sustainable farming, LED lighting, solar panels, wind energy, composting, recycling and waste management are most sought after
- The programme aims to receive between five and up to seven applicants from Hong Kong and Japan, with the application ending in February 2022
Finland’s regional government of South Karelia is dangling a series of incentives including relocation help, childcare and a fast track to residency to attract green professionals to settle in the country.
Professionals, investors and entrepreneurs involved in sustainable farming, LED lighting, solar panels, wind energy, composting, recycling and waste management are most sought after. Eligible applicants would receive a 90-day relocation package for the entire family, including help with documentation, housing, school or day care for children, work-from-home facilities, and support for their applications for permanent residency, according to the regional council of South Karelia.
The programme aims to receive between five and up to seven applicants from Hong Kong and Japan, according to the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
“We are aware that we have to attract more international talent to further develop our regional competitiveness,” said Ma Ding, senior adviser of Asian relations of South Karelia, in an emailed response to queries by the Post. “We chose talents from Hong Kong and Japan in line with our regional Asian strategy. The other reason is that passport holders of these target groups enjoy visa waiver in the European Union.”
“We are also aware of the recent interest of Hongkongers to reach out lately and so this offering would certainly be an attractive option to be considered,” Ma said.