Unions warn expanded work permit quota could put wages under pressure

Estonian trade unions warn that a new route for bringing in foreign workers could encourage employers to hire cheaper labour and put pressure on wages, ERR reported.

Next year, employers will be able to bring in workers in addition to the regular immigration quota of 1,284, equivalent to 0.1 percent of Estonia’s population. A regulation prepared by the Interior Ministry would allow another 2,569 residence permits, or 0.2 percent of the population, for workers in 20 sectors covering industry, transport and storage.

Economy Ministry Deputy Secretary General Sandra Särav-Tammus said the additional permits would go to sectors where labour shortages have been confirmed by an OSKA study. She said these sectors also have high export value and high average gross wages, and contribute to Estonia’s added value.

BLRT Group, an industrial conglomerate, says it has a continual need for workers across its businesses, which include shipbuilding, ship repair, oil and gas, wind energy, offshore industry, mechanical engineering and transit. Group adviser Roman Vinartshuk said the company needs workers such as engineers and welders, depending on its projects and orders.

Highly qualified specialists can still be brought to Estonia outside the quota, but employers must pay them at least 1.5 times the average salary. Under the additional 0.2 percent quota, foreign workers may be paid 80 percent of the average salary.

Central Organisation of Estonian Trade Unions chair Kaia Vask questioned whether all 20 sectors genuinely face labour shortages, or whether Estonian workers avoid some jobs because of poor conditions. She said recruiting workers from third countries could entrench lower working conditions rather than improve them.