Municipalities must provide COVID-19 passport for those vaccinated outside the EU
The importance of the COVID-19 passport in daily life is increasing as restrictions return to the Helsinki metropolitan area. Many Finnish and international students do not have the opportunity to acquire the passport, even if they have received two vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency. The reason for this is simple; vaccinations were administered in a non-EU country.
”The COVID-19 passport plays an important role in student life. With the new restrictions, anniversaries and student parties often require the COVID-19 passport. Students organise events responsibly in a changing situation. Many have waited for a long time to be able to spend time safely with their fellow students”, says AYY Board Member Rebecca Adrianzen.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has instructed municipalities to create a passport for those who have received the approved vaccines outside the EU. Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa have refused to follow the instructions by stating that this is not technically possible. The decision puts the vaccinated in an unequal position.
Espoo, Vantaa and Helsinki must provide a COVID-19 passport also for those who have been vaccinated outside the EU. Participation in the events should be possible equally, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated in Finland, during your exchange studies or in your home country before the beginning of your studies. It is important to ensure the equal treatment of the vaccinated, especially now that there are plans to extend the use of the COVID-19 passport.
Further information:
Rebecca Adrianzen
Board Member: International Affairs, Associations, Council
+358 40 677 2033
Fon Krairiksh
Policy Specialist: International Affairs
+358 40 187 6607
Sources:
1: STM on antanut ohjauskirjeen koronatodistuksen myöntämisestä ulkomailla annetuista rokotteista: https://stm.fi/-/stm-on-antanut-ohjauskirjeen-koronatodistuksen-myontamisesta-ulkomailla-annetuista-rokotuksista (Translation not available on the ministry's site.)
2: Capital region municipalities do not issue EU Covid certificates for vaccines administered abroad: https://www.hel.fi/uutiset/en/social-services-and-health-care/capital-region-municipalities-do-not-issue-eu-covid-certificates-for-vaccines-administered-abroad
Read more news
Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.
Good news for residents in shared apartments: Here’s how you can receive your own housing allowance while living in a friends’ apartment!
A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.