Thai Wild Berry Pickers in Finland Under Contradictory Migration Regimes

Abstract

This study examines the contradictory migration regimes governing seasonal migration of Thai nationals—predominantly farmers from Isan Region with strong migration aspirations—who travel to pick wild berries in Finland. Migration policy analysis and 14 semi-structured interviews with key social actors reveal the contested status of Thai wild berry pickers within both the sending and receiving states, as well as within the EU migration regime. This case highlights the incongruence of the Schengen visa policy and practice, where the visa granted does not align with the migrants' intention. Recognised by Thai authorities as overseas migrant workers, Thai wild berry pickers are issued short-stay Schengen visas for tourism. Under Finland's right to public access, Thai migrants pick wild berries as tourists without formal employment and labour protections. This practice of visa mislabeling increases the vulnerability of Thai workers and demonstrates how the migration regime creates a matrix that places Thai seasonal labour migrants in a precarious condition.