South Kymenlaakso is going international – new website supports the everyday lives of migrants and strengthens their vitality

South Kymenlaakso is strengthening its vitality by developing services for international residents. The new International Kotka–Hamina website brings together the region's key information and services that support the smooth everyday life and integration of those who have moved here from around the world. The website is shared by Kotka, Hamina, Pyhtää, Virolahti and Miehikkälä, and is maintained by the City of Kotka in cooperation with Cursor Oy.

South Kymenlaakso already has a significant number of international residents: last year there were well over eight thousand foreign-speaking residents. The majority of those moving to the area are of working age. More and more newcomers are arriving to study or work, and they are central to the future vitality of the area. Large industrial projects have also contributed to turning labor-related immigration into growth.

All newcomers need clear information and functional services to support their settlement. The new website responds directly to these goals by bringing together the information that international experts and companies need. The website provides practical information on moving to Finland, procedures, dealing with authorities, housing, healthcare, working life and education, studying Finnish and the region.
services and leisure opportunities. In addition, guidance and advice services for immigrants, current news and immigrants' own experiences are featured. There are also tips for companies on international recruitment and working in a diverse work community. The site also offers useful information for those working with immigrants.

The regional goal is to provide international companies and experts with an operating environment that combines high-quality services, diverse living environments and good connections. The new investments aimed at in this way could bring up to thousands of jobs to the region in the coming years.

However, many of the international experts who come to study still move to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area for work. The smoothness of integration is a key factor in increasing vitality: the easier it is for migrants to start their daily lives in their new home region, the better their skills will benefit the entire region.

The new website is part of the region's digital infrastructure and strengthening its appeal. The International Kotka–Hamina website is currently available in Finnish and English, and the next language version is already being planned. The Finnish language version supports the integration of immigrants by developing language skills through everyday transactions. However, artificial intelligence makes it easier to translate content and provide multilingual services, even enabling Chinese in the future.
language version, for which there is a growing need. In this case, however, the translations will be checked by a native speaker of the language. The development of the website will continue to be closely based on the feedback received and user experiences, so that it will also meet the needs of a growing and diverse user base in the future.