Current affairs

In addition to the 4 categories of high-risk products of animal origin (meat, fish, dairy, edible birds’ nests), China's rigorous market access health risk assessment process has been extended to 14 food categories.

The government proposal on the introduction of a long-term national D visa in Finland promotes labour migration and includes the preparation of a fast track pledge. According to the proposal, the national D visa would first cover specialists, growth or start-up entrepreneurs and their family members.

The Government has appointed Mikko Koivumaa as Director General of Communications at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs starting on 18 October 2021. The term of office will be five years. Koivumaa is currently Director of Communications at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

In future, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will update its travel advice for each country individually. In our advice, we will continue to take into account the recommendations with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and the general security situation in the country in question.

The Embassy of Finland is seeking qualified applicants for the position of a locally hired Receptionist and Translator for the Administrative Section of the Embassy starting on the 15th of September 2021 or as agreed

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today in Chengdu, Southwest China, and held discussions with him on bilateral issues, EU-China relations and some key international questions.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will visit China on 24–25 July. Meeting will take place in the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu.

Finland is proud to present its candidacy to a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022–2024 term. Previously, Finland served as a member of the Human Rights Council for a period of one year starting in 2006, when the Council was newly established.

The prolonged COVID-19 epidemic has led to an exceptional situation for travellers. This summer, borders have gradually started to open up and, thanks to vaccinations, safe and healthy travel is possible to a greater extent. Many Finns are also spending their holidays abroad. However, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and that infections are rising again in many holiday destinations popular among Finns. When travelling, it is important to act responsibly and observe guidelines in place to ensure health security.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has sent out for comments a proposal on amendments to the Decree of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Fees for Services Produced by the Foreign Service. The consultation round will be open until 6 August 2021. According to the proposal, the prices of identity cards and passports issued by missions abroad would be raised by 6 euros and 55 euros respectively.