Estonia Saw Nearly a Quarter More Third-Country Citizens as Seasonal Workers

This year, Estonia has received significantly more third-country nationals for seasonal work, approximately a quarter more than the previous year. Foreign workers play an important role in agriculture, accommodation, catering, and manufacturing. However, risks are growing that workers lack knowledge of their rights and necessary work documentation, which could lead to labour exploitation.

This year, nearly a quarter more third-country nationals have arrived in Estonia for seasonal work compared to the previous year, according to recent data. Foreign workers play an important role in several economic sectors where labour demand is seasonal.

Foreign workers support multiple sectors

Seasonal workers are employed most heavily in agriculture, but their contribution is also significant in the accommodation and catering sector, manufacturing, and other fields where workload depends on the time of year. Without foreign workers, many Estonian companies would find it difficult to continue their normal operations.

Lack of knowledge about rights creates risks

However, the growth in worker numbers brings with it an increased risk of exploitation. The main risk factor is that many seasonal workers do not know what documents are required to work in Estonia, what their working conditions are, and what rights they have as workers.

Such lack of knowledge can make people vulnerable and create conditions for labour exploitation. Therefore, it is important that both employers and authorities ensure that foreign workers receive proper information and support.