From solving tech challenges in Pakistan to building SaaS solutions in Finland

Shayan Abbas, a software developer, moved to Finland in 2017 after accepting a job offer as a specialist. Having relocated from Pakistan, he initially found the country peaceful and safe, even if the early closing hours of local restaurants took some getting used to. Today, he continues to live and work in Finland, building backend solutions for Finnish tech companies.

Before his move, Shayan had already established his career in IT and software development. Driven by a passion for programming and problem-solving, he stepped into his new role in Finland with ease, bringing a solution-oriented mindset and years of technical expertise.

Like many skilled professionals, Shayan stepped onto his new path without hesitation. “I was a free soul, I didn’t overthink things,” he recalled. “I got the opportunity, it paid well, and it was in a nice country, so nothing really worried me.” Upon arrival, he was pleasantly surprised by how active people were, quickly adapting to the lifestyle.

Shayan Abbas in the 2025 Startup Refugees Hackathon, which he and his team won.

While searching for resources to launch a business, Shayan originally discovered Startup Refugees online. Later, he joined their mentoring program, which proved to be a valuable resource for networking. “The Hackathon was a great way to begin,” he shared. “I was matched well with my mentor, who guided me on how companies evaluate resumes. We remain in contact today.”

After years of steady employment, Shayan faced his first major hurdle in 2023 when he was laid off. It took over a year to land a new position, exposing him to the complexities of the local system. When he explored starting a part-time business during his job search, he discovered the rules around unemployment benefits. “The system makes it hard to try entrepreneurship,” he noticed. He felt that the requirements can discourage proactive job seekers from bringing their business ideas to life.

Today, Shayan is back in the tech industry, working as a backend developer on a SaaS product for PipeCloud. However, recent changes to immigration and citizenship rules have created a sense of uncertainty for his family’s long-term future. “As immigrants, we settle down to build a life for the long term,” he reflected, noting that the evolving landscape has prompted him to keep his options open abroad.

Shayan and his Startup Refugees 2025 Hackathon team.

Despite these hurdles, Shayan remains focused on growth, improving his language skills, and advancing his career. When asked what advice he would pass along to other international job seekers navigating tough market conditions, he encouraged them to stay proactive and utilise their time wisely.

“Don’t lose hope,” Shayan advised. “Utilise that time to build new skills or enroll in study programs that improve your hiring chances. Explore options like work tryouts (Finnish: työkokeilu) to build local experience, or try creating a digital product of your own in the world of AI. If you can build a proof of concept with even a few customers, it can open doors.”