Kela introduces online service in Sámi language

The Social Insurance Institution-Kela has launched the first Sámi-language version of the OmaKela e-service, said Kela in a press release on Tuesday.

It is now possible to apply for some benefits and send supporting documents in the Sámi-language MuKela or MuuKela e-service.

Previously, Kela’s OmaKela e-service was only been available in Finnish and Swedish.

Kela has now released the first version of the e-service in the three Sámi languages spoken in Finland. The e-service is called MuKela in Northern Sámi and MuuKela in Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi.

People can log in securely to the Sámi-language e-service at www.kela.fi by first selecting the Kirjaudu (Log in or Čálit sisa in Sámi) button in the top right corner of the page and then the OmaKela option (MuKela in Sámi) on the drop-down menu. Clients need online banking credentials or a mobile ID in order to log in.

Once logged in, customers can choose the Sámi language of their choice from the OmaKela language menu. While using the service, customers can easily return to the Finnish or Swedish view when needed.

The Sámi-language e-service guides customers through the process of submitting applications and supporting documents to Kela.

Initially, the Sámi-language e-service allows customers to apply for rehabilitation, disability allowances and reimbursements for medical and medicine expenses.

The goal is to set up a Sámi-language home page later this year, along with a view for decisions and other documents in Sámi. For the time being, decisions, letters and other documents can only be viewed by changing the language to Finnish or Swedish.

“We hope that our Sámi-speaking customers will try using the e-service even though only the first features are available for now. User feedback is very important to us when developing the service,” said Elina Sipola, OmaKela development specialist.

Sámi-speaking customers will initially receive their benefit decisions in Finnish or Swedish, depending on their communication language recorded in the Finnish Population Information System. Only Finnish and Swedish can be chosen as communication languages.

If a customer has applied for a benefit in Sámi or otherwise expressed a wish to receive their decision in Sámi, Kela will send them a Sámi translation of the decision in addition to the Finnish or Swedish decision.

In addition to Finnish or Swedish, persons registered in the Population Information System can state that their native language is Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi or Skolt Sámi.

Kela receives information about customers’ native language from the Population Information System.

Under the Sámi Language Act, the Sámi people have the right to manage their Kela-related matters in their own language. E-services in Sámi must also be provided in order to ensure that the Sámi people can exercise their statutory language rights.