Finland passes law to block migrants crossing from Russia

Finland’s parliament passed a law on Friday granting border guards the power to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia, after more than 1,300 people arrived in the country, forcing Helsinki to close its border.

Finland has accused neighboring Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging scores of migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross the border, an assertion the Kremlin denies.

Helsinki believes Moscow is promoting the crossings in retaliation for Finland joining NATO, which backs Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

The rightwing government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said the bill is vital to stop future arrivals, despite the law being at odds with its international human rights commitments.

There have been no new arrivals by asylum seekers since March. Finland shut its land borders with Russia late last year.

Finland’s move is similar to steps taken in recent years in other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to make it more difficult for migrants to cross the border from Russia and Russia-ally Belarus.

The Finnish bill was passed with 167 votes in favor, 31 against and one abstention. To pass, the proposal needed a two-third majority of given votes in the 200-seat parliament.