Finnish authorities have revealed findings from two separate investigations involving cleaning companies in the capital region accused of exploiting Filipino workers through deceptive recruitment practices.
In the first case, police suspect a business owner charged Filipino cleaners between €4,000 and €5,000 in so-called “entrance fees” in exchange for employment contracts and immigration assistance. Once in Finland, however, many were handed zero-hour contracts—offering no guaranteed work or income despite earlier promises tied to their residence permit applications.
Investigators believe the company continued to recruit workers even when it lacked the intent or capacity to employ them. About 30 individuals reportedly paid fees or other charges to the firm, with some 20 never actually starting work. Authorities say the nature of the operation has shifted toward potentially organizing illegal immigration, and the case is now with prosecutors for possible charges.
“It’s common for payments to be collected from those seeking work in Finland,” said lead investigator Sami Isoniemi, highlighting a broader issue affecting migrant labor.
The second case centers on a similar scenario involving another cleaning firm. Over 50 Filipinos secured residence permits through the company between 2021 and 2022, but nearly 40 of them were left without jobs as no actual employment was offered.
Both investigations underscore concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers and the need for tighter oversight of recruitment practices.
