The Finnish Ministry of Interior has decided to indefinitely extend the closure of crossing stations on its land border with Russia, as reported on Friday. This extension applies to the border crossing stations that were expected to reopen on April 14, further expanding the closure that was announced in February.
Along with the closures at the land border sites, water traffic border crossings at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa, and Santio will also be shut off starting on April 15. Consequently, all applications for international protection will be concentrated at other water transport and air traffic border crossing points after this date.
These precautionary measures are taken in anticipation of an increase in illegal entry attempts into the country come spring, which might risk migrant lives and burden sea rescue missions. The decision enforces an indefinite closure “until further notice” following a series of enactments and withdrawals that have taken place since November.
Finland has long been dealing with what it terms ‘instrumentalized migration’ from Russia, perceived as a way to exert pressure and destabilize both Finland and the EU. These concerns have also been echoed by the European Parliament. Russia, however, finds such claims unjustified and dismisses them as regrettable.
The Finnish Ministry of Interior is currently working on a draft law aimed at curtailing the influence of instrumentalized immigration. It provides a framework for limiting the acceptance of asylum seekers in certain areas under given conditions. Stakeholders at national, EU, and UN levels have given their opinions on the proposal. If approved, the law would take effect as soon as possible, remaining in force for one year thereafter.
The diplomatic relations between Finland and Russia have been strained, particularly after Finland’a decision to break its stance of military non-alignment and join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in April 2023. Russia has taken issue with Finland’s approach towards the border issue, criticizing it for its politicized attitude and lack of bilateral discussions.