my notebook - socca

My NotebookGuidance for Immigrants

on Dealing with Authoritiesin Helsinki

Name: Date:

My social worker: __________________________________ Tel: __________________________________

My social instructor: __________________________________ Tel: __________________________________

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Socca - The Centre of Excellence on Social Welfare in Helsinki Metropolitan Area

www.socca .fi

The Immigration Unit of Helsinki,City of Helsinki

Compiled by Ruth TegeneOriginal layout: Mehalet Yared

October 2011

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Contents

Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki! ............................................. 3

Tips on Notebook Usage ................................................................................ 3

SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION UNIT ................... 4BANK ................................................................................................................ 6

LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE ............................................................................ 6MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY ....................................................... 7

KELA ................................................................................................................. 8

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ..................... 12FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE ............................................................... 12

FINNISH POLICE ............................................................................................ 13

ACCOMMODATION ....................................................................................... 17HEALTH CARE ............................................................................................... 19

CHILD DAY CARE .......................................................................................... 22COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL ........................................................................ 22

PUBLIC TRANSPORT.................................................................................... 23

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................ 24LÄHTEITÄ ....................................................................................................... 25

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Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki!

This notebook has been made for you, to support your memory. Its purpose isto make your first steps in Finland easier.

This notebook includes the most important authorities with whom you willhave to be in contact. In addition, this booklet includes information on variousbenefits and permits and who is entitled to them.

Once you have got your first residence permit, you will have to fill in variousforms and visit several authorities. At first this may feel difficult. With the helpof your notebook, you can keep track of your progress.

With kind regards,Ruth Tegene, a socionom student,and the Immigration Unit of Helsinki staff.

Tips on Notebook Usage

Tick the box after completing an application.

Next to the box you can mark the date on which you submitted theapplication. Write down when and what kind of a decision you received.Example:The Housing Allowance application was submitted to Kela on 1 January2009, and the housing allowance decision was made on 1 February 2009comprising of EUR 200 per month.

Submitted: 1 January 2009 Decision: 1 February 2009 €200/month________________________________________________________

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SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION UNIT

Principles of the Social Services DepartmentThe Social Services Department ensures good conditions for the growth ofchildren and young people, strengthens the capacity and responsibility ofadults and ensures a safe and dignified life for the elderly.

Immigration UnitThe Immigration Unit is subordinate to the Social Services Department ofHelsinki. The unit organises integration services for immigrants permanentlysettled in Helsinki.

Customers of the unit are immigrants with a permanent residence permit. Thelength of the customership is generally about three years, starting from thefirst entry to the population register.

Immigration UnitOpening hours: Mon-Fri, 9.00-15.00Address: Dagmarinkatu 6, 00100 HelsinkiIn acute cases contact the Immigration Unit emergency service line.Tel: 09 31037577

In the Immigration Unit you have two or three workers who will support youduring your integration.

Social WorkerTasks of the social worker include:

making the customer familiar with the Finnish society integration planning family mapping securing livelihood services for under aged immigrants without the guardian present

Social InstructorTasks of the social instructor include:

making the customer familiar with the Finnish society entry arrangements

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passport, travel documents and residence permit matters school and day care places group activities

PsychologistA psychologist is a mental health expert.

Tasks of the psychologist include: family mapping consultancy and guidance referrals and statements

Benefits OfficerBenefits officer makes written decisions on your social assistance.

The Immigration Unit has also other professional social and health careworkers who can help you.

The Immigration Unit staff organise information sessions to help yourintegration.

Participation in the Information SessionsDate Topic of the information session

Social AssistanceIf your work or other sources do not provide you with the appropriate income,you have the right for social assistance. Social assistance is a last resort formof income security.

Submit the application two weeks prior to your estimated need for socialassistance.

If you receive social assistance, its amount depends on your other income.Earned income and Kela benefits, for instance, affect the amount of your

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social assistance.

Appendices:PayslipBenefit decisions made by KelaRental agreementAccount statementsOther requested information

If you are granted social assistance, it will be transferred to your bankaccount. If you do not own a bank account, social assistance will be given viaa money order at the Finance Office.

Finance OfficeOpening hours: Mon-Fri, 8.00- 16.15Address: Toinen linja 4A,00530 Hakaniemi, Helsinki

Financial ObligationFinancial obligation is a document, whereby the Immigration Unit guaranteesto pay your certain, predetermined expenses; for example a financialobligation for a pharmacy.

BANK

A bank account can be opened if you have official identity papers such as apassport or identity card. Your money will be safe on the bank account.

A bank card can be attached to your bank account. With the card you canwithdraw cash from the cash machines and pay your bills.

LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE

Local Register Offices carry out registrations of foreigners

Local Register Office of HelsinkiOpening hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00-16:15Address: Albertinkatu 25, 00181 Helsinki

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Registration of ForeignersYou need to register immediately after arriving to Finland, after which youreceive your identity number.The identity number is given to you at the Local Register Office.

In Finland the identity number consists of your birthday and a series of 4 or 5numbers or letters. Do not let other people know your identity number.

Fill in the form “Registration Information on a Foreigner”.

Appendices:Laissez passer, passport or other travel documentResidence permit decisions

Submitted: Decision:_______________________________________

MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY

The health consultant of the Immigration Unit makes an appointment for amedical examination for those who have arrived to Finland.

The appointment can be made once you have received your identity number.

Your children are allowed to go to school or day care only after their medicalexamination.

Medical Examination Appointments

NameLaboratoryappt.

X-rayappt.

Examinationby a nurse

(Exam. by aDoctor)

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KELA

Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, provides security in differentlife circumstances. Social security comprises of various benefits which arepaid from the public funds.

The Social Services Department has the right to reclaim some of the benefitsgranted retroactively by Kela if you previously received social allowance as abenefit form.

Your nearest Kela local office:

______________________________________

Address: _____________________________

Social SecurityFirst you will have to apply for coverage under the residence-based socialsecurity system, after which you will also have rights to other Kela benefits.

Once a positive decision has been made, a Kela card will be mailed to you.

The validity of your Kela card equals the validity of your residence permit.When you get a new residence permit, remember to renew your Kela card.

Fill in the application: Y77

Appendix:

Residence permit decisions of each person


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Child BenefitFor one guardian, a child benefit is paid of every child under 17 years. Itsamount depends on the number of children. If you are a single parent, youcan apply for a supplement.

Fill in the application for Child Benefit: LL1


Child Home Care AllowanceKela pays Child Home Care Allowance to families that have a child under theage of three who is not in municipal day care. The allowance is also paid forany other children under the age of seven staying at home. The Child HomeCare Allowance payments are subject to tax.

Fill in the application for Child Home Care Allowance: WH1

Appendix:Tax card


Some of the Kela benefits are taxable income like the Child Home CareAllowance. Remember to order a tax card from the Local Tax Officenearest to you. If you do not get a tax card, 60% of your benefit will bewithheld.

Housing AllowanceLow-income households can apply for Housing Allowance. A householdconsists of people who share a living place. Kela revises the HousingAllowance every year because the life circumstances, for example, couldhave altered.

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Fill in the application for Housing Allowance: AT1


Appendices: Rental agreement

Extract from the house register Statement of incomes Receipt of the rent

Sickness AllowanceYou can receive Sickness Allowance if you are unable to work due to anillness. Sickness Allowance can be granted if you have been a full-timestudent or at work at least three months before your illness.

If the three-month requirement is not fulfilled, you can receive SicknessAllowance only after your incapacity for work has continued for 55 daysuninterrupted.

Fill in the application for Sickness Allowance: SV8

Appendix:Doctor’s certificate of incapacity for work

Disability Allowance for Children Under 16 YearsThe Disability Allowance for a child under 16 is meant for a child with a long-term illness or disability.

The Disability Allowance can be granted if the care of the sick or disabledchild takes at least 6 months and requires a greater commitment of thefamily.

Appendix:Doctor’s certificate of illness or disability

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Integration PlanYou will make an integration plan together with an employment planner of theEmployment and Economic Development Office and a social worker. In somecases, the integration plan can be made in the Immigration Unit.

The integration plan can include arrangements on your Finnish studies, adulteducation and other activities that support your integration. You will receiveIntegration Assistance when you are carrying out your plan.

Your integration plan

Done: _________________________________

Integration AssistanceYou are entitled to Integration Assistance paid by Kela. In order to receiveIntegration Assistance, the integration plan must have been made.Integration Assistance is claimed with the Labour Market Subsidy form.

Fill in the Integration Assistance/Labour Market Subsidy/BasicUnemployment Allowance application: TT1


Forms are available at Kela local offices and on the Internet. Check upon current information on the website: www.kela.fi

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EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Employment and Economic Development Office assists with education,vocational guidance and job seeking.

Together with your social worker you can make an appointment to theEmployment and Economic Development Office for drawing up yourintegration plan. There you can discuss about your Finnish studies or otheractivities that support your integration.

Employment and Economic Development Office of Helsinki,Immigrant ServicesOpening hours: Mon- Fri, 09:00 - 15.45Address: Haapaniemenkatu 4 A, 00530 HelsinkiTel: 010 194434

FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is a government agency andsubordinate to the Ministry of the Interior. It processes and decides onmatters related to immigration, residence, refugee issues, and Finnishnationality.

The Finnish Immigration Service grants residence permits to foreigners who come to Finland, processes applications for asylum, interviews and makes decisions, grants aliens' passports and travel documents for refugees, decides on refusals of entry and deportation and is in charge of naturalisation applications.

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POLIISI

FINNISH POLICE

The function of the police is to secure judicial and social order, to maintainpublic order and security, to prevent and investigate crimes, and to submitcases to prosecutors for decision.

When you need help urgently, call the emergency number.

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112

Immigration PoliceAccording to the decisions made by the Finnish Immigration Service,the Immigration Police issues extended fixed-term residence permits andpermanent residence permits to foreigners residing in Finland.

The Immigration Police also handles matters regarding identity card, alien'spassport and travel document as well as citizenship matters.

Permit applications must be personally submitted to the police station. Abroadthe permit applications are to be submitted to Finnish missions.

The Immigration Police at MalmiOpening hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00 - 16.15Address: Viljatie 2, 00700 Helsinki

Residence Permit ExtensionAn immigrant must possess a valid residence permit. You can apply for a newfixed-term residence permit at the Immigration Police.

The extended permit can be granted on the basis of asylum or a refugeestatus for a person residing in Finland.

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Fill in the Extension Application; separate applications for your spouseand children.

Appendices to Extension Application:Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelinesissued by the policePrevious travel document, if applicablePreceding residence permit decisions


Permanent Residence PermitThe Permanent Residence Permit can be granted if the applicant has beencontinuously resident in Finland for four years on a fixed-term residencepermit.

The Permanent Residence Permit is never granted as the first residencepermit. The first residence permit is always a fixed-term permit.

Fill in the application for Permanent Residence Permit; separateapplications for your spouse and children.

Appendices:Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelinesissued by the policePrevious travel document, if applicableResidence Permit decisions


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Family ReunificationA refugee or person who has been granted a residence permit on the basis ofasylum or protection can apply for family reunification. A spouse or cohabitingpartner and minor, unmarried children are regarded as family members.

Fill in the Residence Permit Application; separate applications for yourspouse and children

Appendices:Applicant’s passport photoApplicant’s birth certificateMarriage certificate (if the applicant is your spouse)With foster children a certificate on child custody is neededCopy of applicant’s passportTax certificateCertificate of other income

You need to make a clarification of every missing Appendix. Theclarification must state why you were not able to obtain the missingappendices.


A foreigner must have a passport. You can apply for a national passport atthe embassy of your home country. If you cannot receive a national passport,you can apply for an alien's passport or a refugee’s travel document.

Alien’s PassportThe Alien’s Passport is valid up to a maximum of five years. Submit theapplication to your local police. The Application is then forwarded to theFinnish Immigration Service. Fill in separate applications for yourspouse and children.

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Appendices to Alien’s Passport application:Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelinesissued by the policePrevious travel document, if applicableClarification of reasons for applying Alien’s PassportIf required, evidence from authorities in the applicant’s homecountry that a national passport cannot be issued


Refugee’s Travel DocumentThe Refugee’s Travel Document can be issued to a foreigner who has beengranted asylum or to quota refugees whose refugee status has not beensubsequently withdrawn or cancelled.

Refugee’s Travel Document is valid up to a maximum of five years.Fill in separate applications for your spouse and children.

Appendices:Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelinesissued by the policePrevious travel document, if applicableClarification of reasons for applying Refugee’s Travel DocumentIf required, evidence from authorities in the applicant’s homecountry that a national passport cannot be issued

Submitted: Decision:

Forms are available at the Immigrant Police and on the Internet. Checkup on current information on the Finnish Immigration Service website:www.migri.fi

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ACCOMMODATION

Finding an ApartmentIn Finland apartments for rent are provided by towns and municipalities,apartment developers, foundations, insurance companies, banks and privatehouse owners.

There are apartment announcements on the Internet, in newspapers and onnoticeboards. It is important to be active when searching for an apartment.There is a housing shortage in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Therefore, it isgood to be prepared for a possible wait on getting an apartment.

The application can be filled in on the Internet:

www.stadinasunnot.fi www.sato.fi www.vvo.fi www.nuorisosaatio.fi www.nal.fi

Rental apartments on the Internet:

www.etuovi.com www.asuntoverkko.com www.oikotie.fi www.asunnonvuokraus.com www.vuokraovi.com www.ta-yhtyma.fi

Moving to an ApartmentThere are many official matters you have to deal with when you move. It isalso recommendable to proof the condition of the apartment before you movein.

You, as the tenant, have the responsibility to make sure that the apartmentstays in good condition.

Rental AgreementThe tenant and lessor make a rental agreement for the apartment. Theagreement is made after you have received the apartment.

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Various matters concerning the apartment are settled in the rental agreement.The rental agreement states, for instance, whether the duration of theagreement is fixed-term or non-fixed.

For example, if the rental agreement is non-fixed, it means that the apartmenthas been rented for a permanent use, until further notice.

Tenant’s Responsibilities

Paying the rent every month, latest on the date of rent payment Abiding the rules of the house Upkeep of the apartment Responsible for any damage caused by you or your visitors

On the website of the Finnish Refugee Council you can watch videosabout housing made by VertaisKoto Project: www.pakolaisapu.fi

Terminating a Rental AgreementYou can terminate your rental agreement by giving notice to your lessor, inwriting most preferably. The notice period is mostly one month. You areobliged to pay the rent of this period. For example, if you terminate your rentalagreement 10 July 2010, your liability to pay ends 31 August 2010.

Electricity Contract/Gas ContractWhen you move in, you have to make an electricity contract and a gascontract, if needed. This can be made on the Internet or by calling yourelectricity or gas company.

When you move out of your apartment, remember to terminate your electricityand gas contracts.

Change of Address NotificationYou are obliged to submit a Change of Address Notification to the LocalRegister Office and Posti as soon as you know when you are going tomove. The notification forms are available at post offices and on the Internet.

Notification of Moving-In/Moving-OutYou must give a moving-in notification to the house manager ormaintenance company once you have moved into your new home.

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The notification tells the house manager who lives in the apartment. Theaddress of your house manager or maintenance company can be found onthe noticeboard in the stairwell.

Extract from the house registerThe extract from the house register is a certificate of housing. It is neededwhen applying for General Housing Allowance, for example.

The extract can be ordered once you have submitted a moving-innotification to the housing cooperative.

Home InsuranceThe home insurance insures the contents of your home against accidents.

The contents include furniture, objects and domestic appliances. Theinsurance covers also inner surfaces of the apartment as well as walls andfloors.

Television LicenceA television license must be paid in order to watch television legally at home.

All over Finland, television fee inspectors make visits to households, whichaccording to the television fee register, have not submitted a televisionnotification. If you have used a television set without a television notification,you may have to pay a fine.

HEALTH CARE

The Finnish health care system aims to maintain people’s health, prevent andtreat diseases as well as rehabilitate people.

Health care services in Helsinki are offered by the Health Centre. In the eventof an accident or illness, contact your local health station on weekdays. Thehealth stations are primarily open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00.

In matters concerning dental care, call the centralised appointmentreservation number of your area.

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Your local health station:

Name:______________________________________

Address:_________________________________

Tel: __________________________________

Doctor’s AppointmentYou can make an appointment with your doctor at your local health station. Incase of an acute illness, you may get an emergency appointment for thesame day.

Nurse’s AppointmentThe local health stations have normally a nurse's reception that can becontacted without an appointment.

If you need an interpreter for the doctor’s reception, you must informthe health station or hospital about it beforehand, so that an interpretercan be found well on time.

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICESIn the evening and weekends the local health stations are closed. At thosetimes, in the event of an accident or acute illness, go to an Emergency HealthCentre.

Emergency Health Centres for adults in the evening and weekends:

Maria HospitalAddress: Lapinlahdenkatu 16, building 15CTel: 09 310 67468

Haartman HospitalAddress: Haartmaninkatu 4, building 12Tel: 09 310 5018, 09 310 63231

Emergency Health Centre for children under 16 in the evening andweekends:

Children’s HospitalStenbäckinkatu 11, HelsinkiTel: 09 10023, 09 4711

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Dental AppointmentCall the centralised appointment reservation number of your area.

Mon–Thu, 8.00-16.30; Fri, 8.00-15.00In Summer Mon–Fri, 8.00-15.00

North-Eastern Areas 09 310 53438 Eastern and South-Eastern Areas 09 310 61450 Central and Northern Areas 09 310 53500 Southern and Western Areas 09 310 51400

Emergency Dental Care (ache or swelling)Appointment reservation on weekdays, 08:00-14:00

North-Eastern Areas 09 310 48855 Eastern and South-Eastern Areas 09 310 48856 Central and Northern Areas 09 310 48857 Southern and Western Areas 09 310 48858

Dental Care of Children and Young PersonsAn appointment for urgent dental care of children and young persons isreserved by phone from the centralised appointment reservation of your area.

In the evening and weekends call the emergency dental care number.Both adults and children are then directed to a certain dental clinic.Tel: 09 310 49999

In the event of a fit or an accident, call the emergency number.

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112

Crisis Service for ForeignersThe Crisis Service for Foreigners provides help and support for you and yourfamily. The service helps foreigners to cope with crisis caused by migration orother crises in life.

Crisis Service for ForeignersTel: 09 41350501Mon–Fri, 09:00-15.00

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CHILD DAY CARE

Children under school age are entitled to day care provided by themunicipality. Day care is organised in municipal and private day care centres,among others.

If you want a day care place for your child in a certain day care centre, youshould apply for it well in advance. The application must be submitted atleast 4 months before the beginning of the day care.

The application can be submitted to the day care centre of your choicedirectly or you can send it by mail.

Fill in: Application for Child Day Care


After the day care place has been granted, you can agree with the day carestaff upon the length and number of care days.

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

Your Children, who are permanently resident in Finland, must attend school.Compulsory education begins in the year in which your child turns seven.

Preparatory InstructionPreparatory instruction is provided for 7-16 year old children and youngpeople of immigrant origin. The main emphasis of the preparatory instructionlies on learning Finnish.

The preparatory instruction lasts in general one year. When a pupil’s Finnishlanguage skills are adequate, the pupil may transfer to a Finnish-speakingbasic education group.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

HSL, the Helsinki Region Transport Authority, is responsible for the planningand organisation of public transport and passenger information.

A personal Travel Card can be purchased at HSL service points. If you donot have an identity card, make an appointment to a service point togetherwith your social instructor so that you can purchase the Travel Card.

HSL Service PointCentral Railway Station,Opening hours: Mon-Thu, 7.30-19.00; Fri 7.30-17:00; Sat 10:00-15:00Tel: 09 4766 4000

Using the Travel CardShow the Travel Card to the card reader when you enter a bus or commutertrain. You can load value or a period ticket on your Travel Card at R-kiosks,HSL Service Points and HSL ticket machines.

You can load on your Travel Card a season ticket for any period between twoweeks and one year. You can also load value for occasional journeys. Valuetickets cost less than single tickets purchased from the drivers. The amount ofvalue loaded onto the card can be between 5 and 400 euros.

Place the card to the reading area of the card reader, hold it there and pressa button at the same time:

Buttons used in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

1 = Internal: A journey within one municipality.2 = Region: Regional value tickets valid in Helsinki,Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa.0 = Tram: Only valid on trams.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Local Kela Offices

KamppiSalomonkatu 17PL 82, 00601 Helsinki

HakaniemiHämeentie 15PL 82, 00601 Helsinki

KäpyläKoskelantie 5PL 82, 00601 Helsinki

MalmiSoidintie 4BPL 82, 00601 Helsinki

ItäkeskusTallinnan aukio 4PL 82, 00601 Helsinki

VuosaariIiluodontie 17APL 82, 00601 Helsinki

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LÄHTEITÄ

www.infopankki.fi www.kela.fi www.hel.fi/sosv www.migri.fi www.pakolaisneuvonta.fi/ www.pakolaisapu.fi www.poliisi.fI www.finfonet.fi http://papunet.net/selko/uutiset/

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This notebook has been made for you, to support yourmemory. Its purpose is to make your first steps in Finlandeasier.

This notebook informs you about important authorities andexplains how and when you should be in contact with them.

IN COOPERATION WITH

THE IMMIGRATION UNIT OF HELSINKI

INTEGRATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF THE CAPITAL REGION

LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

TRANSLATION BUREAU APROPOS LINGUA Ltd.

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