The Finnish Parliament has passed a new law granting border guards the authority to block asylum seekers from Russia.
This decision comes after over 1,300 people arrived in Finland since last summer, prompting Helsinki to close its borders.
Finland has accused Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a claim the Kremlin denies.
The right-wing government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo argues that the law is essential to prevent future arrivals, despite it conflicting with Finland’s international human rights commitments.
After the vote, Orpo stated that this sends a strong message to Russia and Finland’s allies that the country is serious about its security and the security of the European Union’s borders.
The bill passed with 167 votes in favor, 31 against, and one abstention. The legislation needed a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat parliament to be approved.
Orpo also urged migrants considering the journey to Europe via Russia not to embark on the trip, emphasizing that smuggler-assisted entry encouraged by Russia would not lead to access to Finland or Europe.
Despite Moscow denying any such intentions, the Russian embassy in Helsinki has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Helsinki maintains that Moscow is encouraging border crossings in retaliation for Finland’s NATO membership and support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Over 1,300 asylum seekers crossed the border from Russia since last summer, but no new arrivals have been reported since March. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen mentioned that no decision has been made regarding the reopening of border crossings with Russia.
Finland’s move is similar to actions taken by other European countries, like Poland and Lithuania, which have implemented measures to make it harder for migrants to cross from Russia and its ally Belarus.
Following the parliamentary vote, Finnish border guards reported an individual crossed the border illegally on Thursday and applied for asylum after being apprehended.
Finland closed its land borders with Russia late last year and began constructing the first section of a fence along the border in May, shortly after joining NATO.
This security measure, in response to the war in Ukraine, aims to prevent a potential influx of migrants engineered by Russia. Finland fears a repeat of the 2021 crisis at the EU’s eastern border in Poland, where Belarus was accused of orchestrating a migrant influx.
The steel fence, covering about 200 kilometers of Finland’s most sensitive border areas, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Project manager Esko Kurki stated that the fence is not intended to stop an invasion but will be equipped with surveillance equipment.
