Russian citizens residing in northern Finland may now renew their passports in Oulu. Previously, applications had to be submitted to either Helsinki or Turku, entailing trips to the south to reclaim the passports. Passports renewals are now being handled on appointed days, once every two months, by the honorary consul of Russia, located at the Council of Oulu Region´s office.
The new reclamation system in Oulu represents a test to determine whether the policy can later be applied to other districts which are in the domain of the consul (Kokkola, Rovaniemi, Kajaani and Joensuu) as well. The first person scheduled to receive her passport is Elena Syuzmyalyaynen, who resides in Tornio. On Friday the 3rd of February, Honorary Consul Pauli Saapunki will officially present Syuzmyalyaynen her passport in Oulu.
Last year there were 3 781 foreigners living in the Oulu area. The largest nationalities were Russian, Iraqi, Somali, Chinese and Swedish. Nearly 120 different languages are spoken in the city.