The Estonian government is considering making it mandatory for short-term workers to obtain one-year visas before they can work in the country.
This proposed change has sparked a debate, especially in the agricultural sector. Some are concerned that it could lead to labor shortages and higher expenses.
Current rules allow short-term employment with or without visas
Currently, migrants in Estonia can work short-term if they have temporary visas or no visas at all, as long as their work is registered.
However, the government plans to change these regulations. They are considering requiring short-term workers to get long-term visas that last for a year before they can start working.
Janek Mägi, the head of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department, explained that this is because some individuals come to Estonia on tourist visas and then start working.
This is considered a misuse of the visa’s intended purpose.
Agricultural sector raises concerns
Ragnar Viikoja, the head of the agricultural sector at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, is concerned about the new visa rules making it harder to hire foreign workers.
He pointed out that the agricultural sector heavily depends on foreign workers for manual tasks, and adding more visa requirements might mean labor shortages and higher prices for local produce.
Proposed changes may not apply to seasonal workers
Mägi explained that the suggested changes would not impact seasonal workers, like strawberry pickers, who only work in the country for short periods each year.
This clarification is meant to ease some of the concerns brought up by the agricultural sector.
Stakeholder feedback and government’s next steps
According to Mägi, the government has received mostly negative feedback on the proposed amendments.
However, the aim was to gather views from stakeholders and responsible agencies before making final proposals to the government.
The bill is expected to reach the government in the summer.
New layer of security for Estonia’s short-term visitors
The suggested visa changes in Estonia come at a time when the European Union (EU) is gearing up to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in mid-2025.
ETIAS is a pre-travel screening system that will be necessary for travelers from countries exempt from visas to the Schengen Area, which includes those coming to Estonia for short visits.
This extra security measure is designed to identify possible risks among travelers before they enter the Schengen Zone.
Aligning with EU’s evolving immigration landscape
Estonia’s move to tighten visa rules for short-term workers fits into the larger trend of EU countries strengthening their immigration policies.
With the introduction of the ETIAS system, which is set to start soon, it will work alongside current visa requirements and could impact how EU countries manage short-term visits and employment.
Estonia’s suggested changes might set an example for other EU states facing similar migration issues while still considering economic interests.
Balancing migration risks and economic considerations
The debate surrounding Estonia’s proposed visa changes for short-term workers highlights the delicate balance between addressing migration risks and maintaining a reliable workforce for sectors that heavily rely on foreign labor.
As the government weighs its options, it will need to consider the potential economic implications and find a solution that addresses both security concerns and the labor needs of key industries.