Finland has updated its recommendations for employers and employees in the event of a drone threat. Find out who is allowed to stay off work, whether wages are maintained, and how the new rules will affect the labor market in 2026

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Finland continues to adapt its civil protection system to new security challenges. Amid the growing risks associated with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles near the country's borders, the government, together with employers and trade unions, has developed official recommendations for organizing work during a drone threat.

According to the new guidelines, employees who cannot reach their workplace or perform their duties due to an emergency warning from the authorities about danger are recommended to keep their wages. At the same time, special procedures are provided for employees in critical sectors of the economy to maintain the uninterrupted functioning of vital services.

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Why did Finland develop new recommendations?

The document was prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the Ministry of the Interior of Finland together with representatives of trade unions and employers.

The reason was new security risks associated with possible incidents involving drones. The government assumes that in the event of a threat, rescue services can declare an emergency warning and recommend that the population stay indoors.

According to Employment Minister Mathias Marttinen, the main goal of the new recommendations is to ensure the safety of workers without the risk of losing income.

According to the government, people should not be forced to choose between their own safety and their wages.

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What will change for workers?

The new recommendations provide that in the event of an official warning about the threat of drones, employees should first of all follow the instructions of the authorities.

If a person cannot come to work or perform their duties due to the need to remain in a shelter or premises, employers are recommended to:

- maintain the employee's salary;

- organize remote work where possible;

- provide employees with clear instructions on how to act during an emergency;

- agree internal safety protocols in advance.

Although the issue of paying wages in such situations may be interpreted differently by labor law, social partners have reached a consensus on the need to financially protect workers during emergencies.

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Which sectors will continue to operate even during a state of emergency?

The Finnish authorities emphasize that certain functions of the state cannot be completely suspended even during an emergency.

This primarily concerns sectors on which people's lives and health directly depend:

- emergency medical services;

- hospitals and healthcare facilities;

- rescue services;

- critical infrastructure;

- energy sector;

- certain transport and utility services.

For such employees, employers must develop special procedures for the safe performance of duties even during emergency warnings.

Employers are advised to prepare in advance

The recommendations place particular emphasis on preventive planning.

The government calls on companies to hold discussions with staff and create internal action algorithms before an emergency situation arises. Employers are advised to assess potential risks to employees, identify opportunities for remote work and ensure the continuity of key business processes.

In addition, accidents that may occur during work during the period of the drone threat warning will be considered in accordance with the current legislation on occupational injuries and diseases.

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Could the rules change in the future?

The Finnish authorities emphasize that the recommendations are flexible and can be revised depending on the security situation.

The government and social partners will continue to monitor potential threats from drones. If the number of incidents increases and employers' costs for paying wages increase significantly, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will consider mechanisms for compensating for such costs.

It is officially emphasized that possible future solutions should not create an additional financial burden for employees or the state budget.

A new approach to occupational safety in Europe

Finland's decision demonstrates how European countries are gradually adapting labor legislation and occupational safety rules to new safety challenges. If earlier emergency plans mainly concerned natural disasters or man-made accidents, today they increasingly include scenarios related to drones and other modern threats.

For employees, this means greater social protection, and for employers, the need to plan actions in crisis situations in advance. The Finnish experience can become an example for other European countries that are also reviewing approaches to workplace safety in 2026.

New safety rules in Finland once again demonstrate how important it is to be prepared for unforeseen situations while abroad. Regardless of whether you work, study or live in another country, health insurance remains a reliable financial support in case of illness, injury or other emergency. The policy covers the costs of medical care, and in some cases may include emergency evacuation and other important services. Insurance is especially relevant for migrant workers and expats who plan a long stay outside their country of citizenship. Having a policy allows you to focus on work and everyday life, without worrying about possible medical costs.

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Reminder! Finland is changing the rules for obtaining citizenship and introducing new requirements for foreigners. We have already explained how the citizenship test works, what documents are required and what has changed in the application procedure.

Photo – https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410877/joint-recommendations-for-workplaces-in-case-of-drone-threats

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