Finnish Lawmakers Approve Controversial Migrant Turn-Away Bill

Finnish lawmakers narrowly approved a bill allowing border guards to reject asylum applications from third-country migrants attempting to enter from Russia, citing national security. Critics argue the law conflicts with constitutional and international rights. The temporary law awaits presidential approval and exempts vulnerable groups from rejection.

Finnish lawmakers on Friday narrowly approved a controversial bill that will allow border guards to turn away third-country migrants attempting to enter from neighboring Russia and reject their asylum applications because Helsinki says Moscow is orchestrating an influx of migrants to the border.

The government's bill, meant to introduce temporary measures to curb migrants from entering the Nordic nation, is a response to what Finland sees as “hybrid warfare” by Russia. It believes Moscow is funneling undocumented migrants to the two countries' border.

The temporary law, valid for one year, was approved by 167 lawmakers—the minimum needed for it to pass in the 200-seat Eduskunta, or Parliament. Lawmakers of the Left Alliance and the Green League were among the 31 who voted against the bill.