Finland is installing special infrastructure at border crossings with Russia, including the provision of containers for conducting interviews with asylum seekers.
This initiative comes as part of the country’s preparations for the implementation of the new deportation law that aims to regulate and control migration flows.
According to a report by the Finnish broadcaster Yle, these measures are being put in place to ensure that the Finnish Border Guard can effectively manage and implement the new migration legislation.
Marko Turunen, Deputy Head of the Department of Border and Maritime Transport, explained that establishing the necessary infrastructure is part of their duties. He noted that currently, 2,000 Border Guard personnel are undergoing training to ensure they can operate within the framework of the new law. This training is focused on equipping border guards with the skills needed to handle the potential complexities of the law, including the power to prevent entry to the country for those seeking asylum and to deport individuals.
Under the new legislation, individuals subject to deportation will receive a written decision along with instructions on how to appeal the decision. The primary aim of the deportation law is to prevent managed migration, which refers to the control and regulation of migration to prevent an unmanageable influx of asylum seekers or migrants.
Finnish Lawmakers Authorise Border Guards to Reject Asylum Seekers
On 12th July 2024, Finnish lawmakers passed a law that grants border guards the authority to turn away third-country migrants attempting to enter Finland from Russia. This legislation is designed as a temporary measure to address “hybrid warfare” by Russia, where undocumented migrants are being directed towards the Finnish border.
The law enables Finnish border guards to refuse asylum applications at crossing points under specific circumstances, though exceptions are made for vulnerable individuals, including children, disabled persons, and others deemed to be in particularly vulnerable situations.
The law’s approval followed a close vote in the Finnish parliament, where it received the necessary 167 votes out of 200. The Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, argued that the measure was crucial for national security, asserting that Russia’s actions posed a deliberate threat by orchestrating an influx of migrants to Finland’s heavily guarded border. The Finnish-Russian border, stretching 1,340 kilometres, has been a critical point of concern, especially since Finland’s recent accession to NATO.
The new law has sparked considerable debate and controversy. Critics, including academics, legal experts, and human rights organisations, argue that it potentially violates Finland’s Constitution, international human rights commitments, and the country’s obligations under EU and United Nations agreements. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, had previously expressed concerns about the draft law, cautioning against its adoption due to the potential infringement on fundamental human rights.
Despite these concerns, the Finnish government has proceeded with the law, highlighting the urgency of protecting national security. This decision follows a period of heightened tension along the border, during which Finland closed crossings after over 1,300 migrants without proper documentation or visas entered the country within three months. This closure came shortly after Finland joined NATO.
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