Finland's Parliament to Vote on Crucial Border Guard Bill

Finland's parliament will vote on a bill granting border guards authority to turn back asylum seekers crossing from Russia. The move follows the arrival of over 1,300 migrants, causing Helsinki to close its border. The bill faces tight voting margins and raises questions about international human rights commitments.

Finland's parliament is set to vote on a crucial bill on Friday that would grant border guards the authority to turn back asylum seekers crossing from Russia. The decision comes after more than 1,300 people arrived in the country, prompting Helsinki to close its border.

Finland has accused Russia of weaponising migration by facilitating the arrival of migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia. Helsinki believes this is a retaliatory measure for Finland joining NATO, which supports Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's rightwing government considers the bill essential to prevent future arrivals, despite its conflict with international human rights commitments. Since March, there have been no new asylum seeker arrivals, as Finland closed its land borders with Russia late last year.

The bill is expected to pass with support from a majority of lawmakers in the main opposition party, the Social Democrats, although some members might break party lines, leading to a tight majority. For the bill to pass, parliament must first agree by a five-sixths majority on its urgency and then approve it with a two-thirds majority. Proponents argue the measure is critical to prevent Finland from being pressured by migrant waves.

(With inputs from agencies.)