An Immigrant Story about Racism and Ageism in Oulu

II part

Racism

Yve, had a permanent resident permit since 2003. Back then the United Kingdom was still member of the European Union; therefore, she never encountered any problem. However, in August, 2021, she applied for a new card because it was expired. At this moment Brexit (the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union) occurred in February, 2020.

In September that same year (2021), she travelled to Canada for a family event. Later in October she had an interview at the immigration office. The person at the immigration office asked her a lot of questions, which were the same she had filled- out on the application form sent in August. Yve said, to the agent “has anyone read my application”? The person replied, “no”.

Yve didn’t think it would be a struggle to get her new residence permit card, since it was a permanent residence. Besides, she had worked in Finland, paid her taxes, and owned a house. She expected that the process of her permanent resident card was going to be over in few months, however, it took more time. The first date immigration gave her was October 6^th, 2022. She didn’t get it and the new date was the 6^th of December, 2022.

As the days went by, Yve was wondering why it was taking so much time.  She asked, and the response was that they were prioritizing the Ukrainian refugees. My question was why do they have the priority and not others, like me? December 6^th came, and no resident permit was given to Yve. The new date set was February, 2023

Yve got her resident permit in March 2023. After waiting for so long Yve is overwarming with thoughts. Why had Finland not learned from other neighborhood countries? Why not hire more staff at immigration to get the work done? Are we useful to them or do they want us only to populate the country?  She thinks that there is nepotisms, inequality in the different districts, and the violation of rights, not only toward immigrants but also to the Sami community.

Final thoughts from Yve

• Society is changing in Finland; thus the system needs to be aware of this and prepare the public- serving staff how to interact with respect and anti-racism.

• Providing funding and coaching in the start-up world is not for everyone. This should be better understood by the government.

• More opportunities for display of art craft of immigrants should be available, along with workshops for writing – the skills which come naturally, not by course work in Finnish”

• Public institutions or health centers should grant job – training to individuals who want or desire to work, people already having some experience, and those who are willing to practice a human touch while serving.

Photo: Courtesy of Yve