Foreign students face financial ruin after agents sell false dream

FINLANDEMPLOYMENT

Foreign students face financial ruin after agents sell false dream of ‘world’s happiest country’

The reform meant that students coming to Finland from outside the EU to study at third-level institutions were granted a continuous residence permit for the duration of their studies, instead of having to re-apply for the permit every year, as had previously been the case. They could also bring their families with them — with spouses now eligible to receive state support such as unemployment benefits and housing allowance, even though students themselves are not.

From personal anecdotes I’ve heard - some have received scholarships, some have borrowed money to come, some are working for Wolt, etc. What I did not know was the role of this change in law in this situation.

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