My Notebook. Guidance for Immigrants on Dealing with Authorities in Helsinki. My social worker: Tel: My social instructor: Tel:

Transcription

1 My Notebook Guidance for Immigrants on Dealing with Authorities in Helsinki Name: Date: My social worker: Tel: My social instructor: Tel:

2 Socca - The Centre of Excellence on Social Welfare in Helsinki Metropolitan Area The Immigration Unit of Helsinki, City of Helsinki Compiled by Ruth Tegene Original layout: Mehalet Yared October

3 Contents Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki!... 3 Tips on Notebook Usage... 3 SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION UNIT... 4 BANK... 6 LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE... 6 MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY... 7 KELA... 8 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE FINNISH POLICE ACCOMMODATION HEALTH CARE CHILD DAY CARE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LÄHTEITÄ

4 Welcome to the Immigration Unit of Helsinki! This notebook has been made for you, to support your memory. Its purpose is to make your first steps in Finland easier. This notebook includes the most important authorities with whom you will have to be in contact. In addition, this booklet includes information on various benefits and permits and who is entitled to them. Once you have got your first residence permit, you will have to fill in various forms and visit several authorities. At first this may feel difficult. With the help of 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 the application. Write down when and what kind of a decision you received. Example: The Housing Allowance application was submitted to Kela on 1 January 2009, and the housing allowance decision was made on 1 February 2009 comprising of EUR 200 per month. Submitted: 1 January 2009 Decision: 1 February /month 3

5 SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION UNIT Principles of the Social Services Department The Social Services Department ensures good conditions for the growth of children and young people, strengthens the capacity and responsibility of adults and ensures a safe and dignified life for the elderly. Immigration Unit The Immigration Unit is subordinate to the Social Services Department of Helsinki. The unit organises integration services for immigrants permanently settled in Helsinki. Customers of the unit are immigrants with a permanent residence permit. The length of the customership is generally about three years, starting from the first entry to the population register. Immigration Unit Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Address: Dagmarinkatu 6, Helsinki In acute cases contact the Immigration Unit emergency service line. Tel: In the Immigration Unit you have two or three workers who will support you during your integration. Social Worker Tasks 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 Instructor Tasks of the social instructor include: making the customer familiar with the Finnish society entry arrangements 4

6 passport, travel documents and residence permit matters school and day care places group activities Psychologist A psychologist is a mental health expert. Tasks of the psychologist include: family mapping consultancy and guidance referrals and statements Benefits Officer Benefits officer makes written decisions on your social assistance. The Immigration Unit has also other professional social and health care workers who can help you. The Immigration Unit staff organise information sessions to help your integration. Participation in the Information Sessions Date Topic of the information session Social Assistance If 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 form of income security. Submit the application two weeks prior to your estimated need for social assistance. If you receive social assistance, its amount depends on your other income. Earned income and Kela benefits, for instance, affect the amount of your 5

7 social assistance. Appendices: Payslip Benefit decisions made by Kela Rental agreement Account statements Other requested information If you are granted social assistance, it will be transferred to your bank account. If you do not own a bank account, social assistance will be given via a money order at the Finance Office. Finance Office Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Address: Toinen linja 4A, Hakaniemi, Helsinki Financial Obligation Financial obligation is a document, whereby the Immigration Unit guarantees to pay your certain, predetermined expenses; for example a financial obligation for a pharmacy. BANK A bank account can be opened if you have official identity papers such as a passport 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 can withdraw cash from the cash machines and pay your bills. LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE Local Register Offices carry out registrations of foreigners Local Register Office of Helsinki Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00-16:15 Address: Albertinkatu 25, Helsinki 6

8 Registration of Foreigners You need to register immediately after arriving to Finland, after which you receive 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 5 numbers 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 document Residence permit decisions Submitted: Decision: MEDICAL EXAMINATION UPON ENTRY The health consultant of the Immigration Unit makes an appointment for a medical 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 medical examination. Medical Examination Appointments Name Laboratory appt. X-ray appt. Examination by a nurse (Exam. by a Doctor) 7

9 KELA Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, provides security in different life circumstances. Social security comprises of various benefits which are paid from the public funds. The Social Services Department has the right to reclaim some of the benefits granted retroactively by Kela if you previously received social allowance as a benefit form. Your nearest Kela local office: Address: Social Security First you will have to apply for coverage under the residence-based social security 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 Submitted: Decision: 8

10 Child Benefit For one guardian, a child benefit is paid of every child under 17 years. Its amount depends on the number of children. If you are a single parent, you can apply for a supplement. Fill in the application for Child Benefit: LL1 Submitted: Decision: Child Home Care Allowance Kela pays Child Home Care Allowance to families that have a child under the age of three who is not in municipal day care. The allowance is also paid for any other children under the age of seven staying at home. The Child Home Care Allowance payments are subject to tax. Fill in the application for Child Home Care Allowance: WH1 Appendix: Tax card Submitted: Decision: Some of the Kela benefits are taxable income like the Child Home Care Allowance. Remember to order a tax card from the Local Tax Office nearest to you. If you do not get a tax card, 60% of your benefit will be withheld. Housing Allowance Low-income households can apply for Housing Allowance. A household consists of people who share a living place. Kela revises the Housing Allowance every year because the life circumstances, for example, could have altered. 9

11 Fill in the application for Housing Allowance: AT1 Submitted: Decision: Appendices: Rental agreement Extract from the house register Statement of incomes Receipt of the rent Sickness Allowance You can receive Sickness Allowance if you are unable to work due to an illness. Sickness Allowance can be granted if you have been a full-time student or at work at least three months before your illness. If the three-month requirement is not fulfilled, you can receive Sickness Allowance only after your incapacity for work has continued for 55 days uninterrupted. Fill in the application for Sickness Allowance: SV8 Appendix: Doctor s certificate of incapacity for work Disability Allowance for Children Under 16 Years The Disability Allowance for a child under 16 is meant for a child with a longterm illness or disability. The Disability Allowance can be granted if the care of the sick or disabled child takes at least 6 months and requires a greater commitment of the family. Appendix: Doctor s certificate of illness or disability 10

12 Integration Plan You will make an integration plan together with an employment planner of the Employment and Economic Development Office and a social worker. In some cases, the integration plan can be made in the Immigration Unit. The integration plan can include arrangements on your Finnish studies, adult education and other activities that support your integration. You will receive Integration Assistance when you are carrying out your plan. Your integration plan Done: Integration Assistance You are entitled to Integration Assistance paid by Kela. In order to receive Integration 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/Basic Unemployment Allowance application: TT1 Submitted: Decision: Forms are available at Kela local offices and on the Internet. Check up on current information on the website: 11

13 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 the Employment and Economic Development Office for drawing up your integration plan. There you can discuss about your Finnish studies or other activities that support your integration. Employment and Economic Development Office of Helsinki, Immigrant Services Opening hours: Mon- Fri, 09: Address: Haapaniemenkatu 4 A, Helsinki Tel: FINNISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is a government agency and subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior. It processes and decides on matters related to immigration, residence, refugee issues, and Finnish nationality. 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. 12

14 POLIISI FINNISH POLICE The function of the police is to secure judicial and social order, to maintain public order and security, to prevent and investigate crimes, and to submit cases to prosecutors for decision. When you need help urgently, call the emergency number. THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112 Immigration Police According to the decisions made by the Finnish Immigration Service, the Immigration Police issues extended fixed-term residence permits and permanent residence permits to foreigners residing in Finland. The Immigration Police also handles matters regarding identity card, alien's passport and travel document as well as citizenship matters. Permit applications must be personally submitted to the police station. Abroad the permit applications are to be submitted to Finnish missions. The Immigration Police at Malmi Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 08: Address: Viljatie 2, Helsinki Residence Permit Extension An immigrant must possess a valid residence permit. You can apply for a new fixed-term residence permit at the Immigration Police. The extended permit can be granted on the basis of asylum or a refugee status for a person residing in Finland. 13

15 Fill in the Extension Application; separate applications for your spouse and children. Appendices to Extension Application: Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police Previous travel document, if applicable Preceding residence permit decisions Submitted: Decision: Permanent Residence Permit The Permanent Residence Permit can be granted if the applicant has been continuously resident in Finland for four years on a fixed-term residence permit. The Permanent Residence Permit is never granted as the first residence permit. The first residence permit is always a fixed-term permit. Fill in the application for Permanent Residence Permit; separate applications for your spouse and children. Appendices: Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police Previous travel document, if applicable Residence Permit decisions Submitted: Decision: 14

16 Family Reunification A refugee or person who has been granted a residence permit on the basis of asylum or protection can apply for family reunification. A spouse or cohabiting partner and minor, unmarried children are regarded as family members. Fill in the Residence Permit Application; separate applications for your spouse and children Appendices: Applicant s passport photo Applicant s birth certificate Marriage certificate (if the applicant is your spouse) With foster children a certificate on child custody is needed Copy of applicant s passport Tax certificate Certificate of other income You need to make a clarification of every missing Appendix. The clarification must state why you were not able to obtain the missing appendices. Submitted: Decision: A foreigner must have a passport. You can apply for a national passport at the 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 Passport The Alien s Passport is valid up to a maximum of five years. Submit the application to your local police. The Application is then forwarded to the Finnish Immigration Service. Fill in separate applications for your spouse and children. 15

17 Appendices to Alien s Passport application: Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police Previous travel document, if applicable Clarification of reasons for applying Alien s Passport If required, evidence from authorities in the applicant s home country that a national passport cannot be issued Submitted: Decision: Refugee s Travel Document The Refugee s Travel Document can be issued to a foreigner who has been granted asylum or to quota refugees whose refugee status has not been subsequently 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 guidelines issued by the police Previous travel document, if applicable Clarification of reasons for applying Refugee s Travel Document If required, evidence from authorities in the applicant s home country that a national passport cannot be issued Submitted: Decision: Forms are available at the Immigrant Police and on the Internet. Check up on current information on the Finnish Immigration Service website: 16

18 ACCOMMODATION Finding an Apartment In Finland apartments for rent are provided by towns and municipalities, apartment developers, foundations, insurance companies, banks and private house owners. There are apartment announcements on the Internet, in newspapers and on noticeboards. It is important to be active when searching for an apartment. There is a housing shortage in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Therefore, it is good to be prepared for a possible wait on getting an apartment. The application can be filled in on the Internet: Rental apartments on the Internet: Moving to an Apartment There are many official matters you have to deal with when you move. It is also recommendable to proof the condition of the apartment before you move in. You, as the tenant, have the responsibility to make sure that the apartment stays in good condition. Rental Agreement The tenant and lessor make a rental agreement for the apartment. The agreement is made after you have received the apartment. 17

19 Various matters concerning the apartment are settled in the rental agreement. The rental agreement states, for instance, whether the duration of the agreement is fixed-term or non-fixed. For example, if the rental agreement is non-fixed, it means that the apartment has 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 videos about housing made by VertaisKoto Project: Terminating a Rental Agreement You can terminate your rental agreement by giving notice to your lessor, in writing most preferably. The notice period is mostly one month. You are obliged to pay the rent of this period. For example, if you terminate your rental agreement 10 July 2010, your liability to pay ends 31 August Electricity Contract/Gas Contract When you move in, you have to make an electricity contract and a gas contract, if needed. This can be made on the Internet or by calling your electricity or gas company. When you move out of your apartment, remember to terminate your electricity and gas contracts. Change of Address Notification You are obliged to submit a Change of Address Notification to the Local Register Office and Posti as soon as you know when you are going to move. The notification forms are available at post offices and on the Internet. Notification of Moving-In/Moving-Out You must give a moving-in notification to the house manager or maintenance company once you have moved into your new home. 18

20 The notification tells the house manager who lives in the apartment. The address of your house manager or maintenance company can be found on the noticeboard in the stairwell. Extract from the house register The extract from the house register is a certificate of housing. It is needed when applying for General Housing Allowance, for example. The extract can be ordered once you have submitted a moving-in notification to the housing cooperative. Home Insurance The home insurance insures the contents of your home against accidents. The contents include furniture, objects and domestic appliances. The insurance covers also inner surfaces of the apartment as well as walls and floors. Television Licence A television license must be paid in order to watch television legally at home. All over Finland, television fee inspectors make visits to households, which according to the television fee register, have not submitted a television notification. 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 and treat diseases as well as rehabilitate people. Health care services in Helsinki are offered by the Health Centre. In the event of an accident or illness, contact your local health station on weekdays. The health stations are primarily open from Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:00. In matters concerning dental care, call the centralised appointment reservation number of your area. 19

21 Your local health station: Name: Address: Tel: Doctor s Appointment You can make an appointment with your doctor at your local health station. In case of an acute illness, you may get an emergency appointment for the same day. Nurse s Appointment The local health stations have normally a nurse's reception that can be contacted without an appointment. If you need an interpreter for the doctor s reception, you must inform the health station or hospital about it beforehand, so that an interpreter can be found well on time. ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES In the evening and weekends the local health stations are closed. At those times, in the event of an accident or acute illness, go to an Emergency Health Centre. Emergency Health Centres for adults in the evening and weekends: Maria Hospital Address: Lapinlahdenkatu 16, building 15C Tel: Haartman Hospital Address: Haartmaninkatu 4, building 12 Tel: , Emergency Health Centre for children under 16 in the evening and weekends: Children s Hospital Stenbäckinkatu 11, Helsinki Tel: ,

22 Dental Appointment Call the centralised appointment reservation number of your area. Mon Thu, ; Fri, In Summer Mon Fri, North-Eastern Areas Eastern and South-Eastern Areas Central and Northern Areas Southern and Western Areas Emergency Dental Care (ache or swelling) Appointment reservation on weekdays, 08:00-14:00 North-Eastern Areas Eastern and South-Eastern Areas Central and Northern Areas Southern and Western Areas Dental Care of Children and Young Persons An appointment for urgent dental care of children and young persons is reserved 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: In the event of a fit or an accident, call the emergency number. THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112 Crisis Service for Foreigners The Crisis Service for Foreigners provides help and support for you and your family. The service helps foreigners to cope with crisis caused by migration or other crises in life. Crisis Service for Foreigners Tel: Mon Fri, 09:

23 CHILD DAY CARE Children under school age are entitled to day care provided by the municipality. 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, you should apply for it well in advance. The application must be submitted at least 4 months before the beginning of the day care. The application can be submitted to the day care centre of your choice directly or you can send it by mail. Fill in: Application for Child Day Care Submitted: Decision: After the day care place has been granted, you can agree with the day care staff 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 Instruction Preparatory instruction is provided for 7-16 year old children and young people of immigrant origin. The main emphasis of the preparatory instruction lies on learning Finnish. The preparatory instruction lasts in general one year. When a pupil s Finnish language skills are adequate, the pupil may transfer to a Finnish-speaking basic education group. 22

24 PUBLIC TRANSPORT HSL, the Helsinki Region Transport Authority, is responsible for the planning and organisation of public transport and passenger information. A personal Travel Card can be purchased at HSL service points. If you do not have an identity card, make an appointment to a service point together with your social instructor so that you can purchase the Travel Card. HSL Service Point Central Railway Station, Opening hours: Mon-Thu, ; Fri :00; Sat 10:00-15:00 Tel: Using the Travel Card Show the Travel Card to the card reader when you enter a bus or commuter train. 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 two weeks and one year. You can also load value for occasional journeys. Value tickets cost less than single tickets purchased from the drivers. The amount of value 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 press a 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. 23

25 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Local Kela Offices Kamppi Salomonkatu 17 PL 82, Helsinki Hakaniemi Hämeentie 15 PL 82, Helsinki Käpylä Koskelantie 5 PL 82, Helsinki Malmi Soidintie 4B PL 82, Helsinki Itäkeskus Tallinnan aukio 4 PL 82, Helsinki Vuosaari Iiluodontie 17A PL 82, Helsinki 24

26 LÄHTEITÄ

27 This notebook has been made for you, to support your memory. Its purpose is to make your first steps in Finland easier. This notebook informs you about important authorities and explains 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. 26