Finland Tightens Borders Amid Migration Dispute with Russia

The Finnish parliament has approved a law giving border guards the authority to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia. This decision follows an influx of over 1,300 migrants, with Finland accusing Russia of weaponizing migration as retaliation for its NATO membership. The law faces criticism for conflicting with international human rights commitments.

Finland's parliament passed a law on Friday granting border guards the power to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia, following an influx of over 1,300 migrants that forced Helsinki to close its border. This move has come amid accusations from Finland that Russia is weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a claim the Kremlin denies.

According to Helsinki, Moscow is promoting these crossings in retaliation for Finland's recent NATO membership, which supports Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Despite the bill facing criticism for contravening international human rights commitments, the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo considers it essential to prevent future arrivals. Notably, there have been no new arrivals of asylum seekers since March, as Finland shut its land borders with Russia late last year.

Finland's legislation mirrors measures taken in recent years by other European nations including Poland and Lithuania, which have also tightened border controls to deter migrants coming from Russia and Belarus. The Finnish bill was passed with a strong majority of 167 votes in favor, 31 against, and one abstention, needing a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat parliament to pass.