Finland passes Law to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia

After more than 1,300 persons arrived in Finland, forcing Helsinki to close its border, the country’s parliament passed legislation giving border guards the authority to stop asylum seekers from entering from Russia.

Finland has accused neighboring Russia of weaponising migration by pushing large numbers of migrants from Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a charge the Kremlin denies.

Over 1,300 asylum seekers have crossed across from Russia since last summer, but there have been no new entries since March, until Thursday.

Following the decision in parliament, the Finnish Border Guard issued a statement stating that someone had entered the country unlawfully on Thursday and had requested asylum upon being apprehended by border guards.

Late last year, Finland closed its land borders with Russia.

Following the bill’s passage, Interior Minister Mari Rantanen stated at a press conference that no decision had been made on the timing of the reopening of the border crossings with Russia.

Report says Finland’s move is similar to steps taken in recent years in other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to make it more difficult for migrants to cross the border from Russia and Russia-ally Belarus.

The Finnish bill was passed with 167 votes in favour, 31 against, and one abstention. To pass, the proposal needed a two-thirds majority of given votes in the 200-seat parliament.

Orpo urged migrants who were considering coming to Europe through Russia not to embark on the journey.