An Indian student was failed TWICE by Migri - Part I

overwhelming stress and financial losses.

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I have two stories when it comes to Migri experiences, both of them adding pressure to my student Life.

First experience: 2018 August. Location: India

It was my first time experiencing Migri.

I had applied for the online application form in early June 2018 and got an appointment directly on the 14th of August through the automated system. My tickets to Finland were already booked for 28th August as my course was supposed to start on the 29th of August.

I requested them multiple times since June to prepone the date so that I can reach Finland in time, and for absolutely no reason, they didn't consider my request or didn't even answer me. It was a very stressful 2 months of calling Migri almost everyday and hoping for them to answer me.

Instead of being excited about the new beginning, I and my family were under utmost stress due to this slow, mild and unempathetic response from the Migri services.

Finally, they didn't prepone my appointment date and I went to the Migri office on the 8th of August. I had constantly been telling them about the urgency of the matter. Aalto University also helped me by sending a letter to the Migri to fasten the process, and yet no response again.

Eventually, after fighting constantly, they gave me the decision on my 10th call to them, and the decision came in 2 hours. I thought that problem was now solved. But it didn't end here. They said I still cannot travel without having the physical permit card in my hand. I requested them the possibility of collecting the card after reaching Helsinki, and they denied it and acted helplessly.

I eventually had to cancel my originally booked tickets (which were non-refundable) and then wait in uncertainty for my permit to arrive.

Instead of being excited about further studies and moving to a new country, I and my family were constantly consumed by the stress because of Migri. And not to forget about the extra expenses that I had to bear in booking new tickets from India to Helsinki.

The experience of international students could really be made more peaceful and smooth especially when there is no particular fault from their side.”

Part II - A few euro less on fund led to a negative decision & paying 250e again

-- Please sign the petition: bit.ly/ReformMigri