The Finnish government has introduced a bill in parliament that would allow authorities to turn away asylum seekers at the country’s border with Russia. This decision comes after Finland closed its border with Russia in December due to an influx of asylum seekers that Helsinki accused the Kremlin of organizing. The closure was extended in April due to ongoing concerns about Russia’s behavior, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo recently stated that intelligence indicated thousands of migrants were still waiting near the border.
The proposed draft law would give Finnish border guards the ability to reject asylum seekers for up to one month in situations where the country’s sovereignty and national security are deemed to be at risk from a foreign state. Orpo believes that the bill, if passed, would help manage migration and counter external pressure on Finland. The restrictions outlined in the bill would need approval from the Finnish president and require a five-sixths majority vote in parliament to become law. Once approved, the restrictions would be in effect for one year.
The Finnish government has expedited the process of passing this legislation due to concerns about a potential surge in asylum seekers with the arrival of warmer weather. The state broadcaster Yle reported that the government is acting swiftly to address the situation and prevent a greater influx of migrants. The bill is seen as a proactive measure to protect Finland’s borders and national security from external threats posed by uncontrolled migration.
The ongoing tension between Finland and Russia over the issue of asylum seekers continues to strain relations between the two countries. Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating the influx of asylum seekers as a destabilization tactic, while Moscow has denied these claims. The proposed legislation is part of Finland’s efforts to safeguard its borders and maintain control over who is allowed into the country. The bill reflects the government’s determination to address the challenges posed by migration and protect the country from potential security risks.
The passing of this bill would have significant implications for Finland’s immigration policies and its relationship with Russia. By empowering border guards to reject asylum seekers in certain circumstances, the government hopes to assert its control over the border and prevent any perceived threats to national security. The decision to pursue this legislation underscores the Finnish government’s commitment to addressing the issue of migration in a proactive and strategic manner. It remains to be seen how this proposed law will be received by parliament and implemented in practice.
