How Sri Lanka and Finland Use Digital Media to Reach Adults Regarding Immigrant Services

By -On

 




In today’s digital landscape, governments are recognizing the value of online platforms to foster connections with citizens, including immigrants. Both Sri Lanka and Finland are effectively utilizing digital media to provide important information and assistance to adults regarding immigrant services. While each country has its own unique approach, their strategies offer valuable insights into accessibility, interactivity, and technological advancement. This blog will explore how each nation harnesses digital media to enhance support for immigrants.

Government Websites & Online Portals

Finland

Finland has a well-developed digital infrastructure that provides immigrants with access to essential services through various official websites:

  • Finnish Immigration Service (Migri): Offers detailed information on residence permits, asylum applications, and citizenship in multiple languages via www.migri.fi.

  • TE Services (Employment & Economic Development Office): Provides job-seeking support, training programs, and integration assistance online.

  • KELA (Social Insurance Institution): Enables immigrants to apply for financial aid, healthcare, and social benefits through an easy-to-use portal.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka also offers digital platforms, though they are more informational and less interactive:

  • Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE): The official site www.immigration.gov.lk provides visa and residency information, though many applications still require in-person visits.

  • Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE): Provides online registration for overseas job seekers and assistance for returning migrant workers.

  • Board of Investment (BOI): Offers digital resources for foreign investors setting up businesses in Sri Lanka.

Finland’s online portals are more interactive and user-friendly, allowing direct applications for various services, whereas Sri Lanka’s digital platforms primarily serve as information hubs, with limited online application functionality.

Social Media & Mobile Apps

Finland

Finland effectively uses social media and mobile apps to engage with immigrants:

  • Migri, KELA, and TE Services maintain active Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts for updates and integration tips.

  • YouTube channels provide free Finnish/Swedish language tutorials and guides.

  • Mobile apps like “EnterFinland” allow immigrants to track visa applications and access government services.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka relies heavily on social media platforms but lacks dedicated mobile apps:

  • Government agencies (DIE, SLBFE, BOI) use Facebook and Twitter to share updates, although engagement is lower than in Finland.

  • WhatsApp groups are used by NGOs and community organizations to provide direct support to immigrants.

  • No dedicated mobile app exists for immigrant services, making digital access less structured.

Finland has a structured and multilingual social media approach, with dedicated mobile apps enhancing accessibility. Sri Lanka mainly uses Facebook and WhatsApp for outreach but lacks government-backed apps for seamless service delivery.

E-Government & Online Application Systems

Finland

  • Immigrants can apply for residence permits, jobs, social benefits, and healthcare online.

  • AI-driven chatbots assist users on government websites.

Sri Lanka

  • Some visa services and investment applications are available online, but many processes still require physical paperwork.

  • No AI-based assistance is widely available for immigrants seeking information.

Finland leads in e-government services, digital applications, and AI-driven support, while Sri Lanka is gradually digitizing but still relies on manual processes.

Online Learning & Language Support

Finland

  • Free online Finnish and Swedish language courses are provided via government websites and mobile apps.

  • YouTube and social media platforms offer free educational videos for integration.

Sri Lanka

  • Some private institutes provide Sinhala/Tamil language courses online, but there are few government-backed free programs.

  • NGOs use Facebook Live and YouTube tutorials for language learning

Finland offers structured and government-funded digital learning, while Sri Lanka relies more on private institutions and NGOs for language education.

Final Thoughts

Both Finland and Sri Lanka recognize the power of digital media in providing immigrant services, but Finland’s approach is more advanced, interactive, and accessible. Sri Lanka is expanding its digital efforts but still relies on traditional methods and social media platforms for outreach.

As digital transformation continues, Sri Lanka can learn from Finland’s structured digital approach to enhance its immigrant service delivery. With improved e-governance, Sri Lanka can provide better accessibility and integration support to its immigrant population.


-Thevnee-


Comments

  1. Brenda Ugochi9 March 2025 at 14:47

    I love that you have written about both Finland and Sri Lanka. It is interesting to know that both countries have recognized the power of digital media, and are implementing it in many sectors. this way, a lot more people can be reached. Great writing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nitesh kumar Tharu9 March 2025 at 23:42

    Great Information!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cesilia10 March 2025 at 03:00

    This blog was really easy to follow and packed with important information. It's amazing how you covered both Finland and Sri Lanka. Great work!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Johannes10 March 2025 at 03:14

    It is intresting to hear from your blog about the digital options both Finland and Sri Lanka uses for immigrants services and its cool that you compare it together and made your own statement to it. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Binita10 March 2025 at 05:02

    great post!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gayathri10 March 2025 at 06:04

    A well-researched article! It’s clear that Finland has made digital immigrant services highly accessible. Sri Lanka’s reliance on social media is useful, but a more structured online system could enhance efficiency.

    ReplyDelete

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