In a bid to bolster its economy, Estonia is considering tripling its annual quota for foreign workers, despite not fully utilizing its current immigration allowance. The plan, introduced by Estonia’s Economy Minister Erkki Keldo, would potentially allow up to 4,000 foreign workers to enter the country in the coming years, contingent on achieving economic growth of over two percent.
Keldo's proposal includes sector-specific quotas to address varying labor market needs and emphasizes the importance of setting clear salary requirements to ensure fairness. According to the minister, tailored quotas could help target critical areas where labor shortages are most pressing.
Estonia’s Minister of Education, Kristina Kallas, also voiced support for the increase, provided it is done in collaboration with trade unions to ensure that local workers' rights are protected. Kallas’s endorsement reflects her party’s stance on the issue, which aligns with the need for balancing economic growth with workers’ welfare.
However, the proposal has not garnered universal support within the government. Estonia’s Minister of Interior, Lauri Läänemets, along with the chairman of the Social Democrat Party, has expressed opposition to the increase in foreign worker quotas. Läänemets has raised concerns about potential impacts on local employment and social welfare.
As discussions continue, the proposal remains a contentious topic, with the government seeking ways to balance economic ambitions with domestic labor interests.