Helsinki, July 13, 2024, The Europe Today: Finland’s Parliament has voted in favor of new legislation permitting border guards to turn away asylum-seekers at its eastern border under specific circumstances. This move follows a significant increase in asylum-seekers from countries such as Somalia and Syria arriving in Finland via its 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia over the past year.
The Finnish government alleges that the surge in asylum-seekers was orchestrated by Moscow as a form of “weaponizing migration” in response to Finland’s accession to NATO, a claim the Kremlin denies.
Legislation Details
The “Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalized Migration” received broad parliamentary support, with 167 lawmakers voting in favor and 31 opposing. Opponents raised concerns about potential human rights violations. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated at a press conference that the legislation sends “a strong message to Russia and a strong message to our allies [that] Finland will take care of its own security and the security of the EU border.”
The act is expected to be enacted in the coming days following the approval of President Alexander Stubb, who has expressed his support for the legislation. The law will be valid for one year and can restrict asylum applications for one month at a time in limited areas if Helsinki deems the country’s sovereignty and national security under threat. Only specific groups, such as children and people with disabilities, will be allowed to seek protection during these periods.
Controversy and Criticism
The new legislation has faced substantial criticism within Finland. Legal experts argue that it contravenes human rights obligations enshrined in Finland’s constitution and international legal commitments. Left-wing and green politicians have strongly opposed the bill, with Left Alliance leader Li Andersson describing the day of the vote as “a sad day for Finland’s rule of law and human rights” on social media.
Protests erupted outside the Parliament, with around 100 people denouncing what they have termed the “deportation law.”
Context and Regional Implications
Similar measures have been implemented by other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, in recent years to curb migrant crossings from Russia and its ally Belarus. In response to the surge in migrants, Finland closed its border with Russia at the end of November but later reopened two crossing points.
The new Finnish law reflects broader regional efforts to manage migration flows and maintain national security amid geopolitical tensions.
