Välismaalaste

Välismaalaste is the genitive plural form of the Estonian noun välismaalane, meaning "foreigner" or "non-citizen." It is formed from välis- “foreign” and maalane “dweller.” In the nominative, the singular is välismaalane and the plural is välismaalased; the genitive singular is välismaalase and the genitive plural is välismaalaste. The form välismaalaste is used when indicating possession or relation, for example in phrases like "välismaalaste õigused" (the rights of foreigners) or "välismaalaste seadus" (the Aliens Act).

The term is standard in official language, legal texts, and media when referring to people who are not Estonian citizens or permanent residents. In everyday speech, speakers may use välismaalane or other contextual terms depending on the situation. The word is generally neutral, serving as a demographic or legal descriptor rather than a value judgment; however, tone can vary with context and speaker intention.

Related concepts include välismaalane (foreigner), migrant, immigrant, guest worker, and põgenik (refugee). The Estonian legal framework often distinguishes non-citizens and foreign residents through terms such as "välismaalane" and specific statutes addressing their rights and obligations. See also: välismaalane, migratsioon, kodanik.