Finland chose a compromise when it comes to the northern border with Sweden.

Permanent employees with “necessary jobs” and work certificates in the current commuting area can continue traveling and work as usual

Stop for temporary workers

However, there seems to be a cross-stop at the border for temporary workers and hourly workers.

- It is probably those who lose the most on this and we will certainly find it harder to get temporary workers from Finland. But our 130 employees from Finland can continue to come to work, and we are very happy about this, ”says Haparanda's municipal councilor Sven Tornberg (C).

According to the municipality of Haparanda, Finland also wants as many people as possible to work at home and at a distance.

- Let's look at that. Of course, we agree to that if it is practically possible.

Temporary housing

Another call from the eastern neighbor is that Finnish employees should be offered temporary housing in Sweden.

- This is not a requirement, but rather a recommendation to reduce traffic across the border and we will do what we can to find the housing that is needed, says Sven Tornberg.

Hard hit to sister cities

Many residents of the sister cities of Haparanda and Torneå feel that the Finnish border restrictions are a severe blow to everyday life in Tornedalen.

- We are used since the EU membership to live without a limit and before that it was just a limit on paper and I am a little worried about how long this will continue because it affects all of our lives. Our natural cooperation relationships are very much affected when it is as it is today, says Sven Tornberg.