Finland’s parliament on Friday adopted a controversial bill that would allow border guards to enter asylum seekers on the country’s eastern border without examining their applications, under certain conditions.
The temporary law was adopted last year after an influx of asylum-seekers arrived on Russia’s border, which Helsinki says was orchestrated by Moscow, which the Kremlin denies.
The law “Temporary Measures to Combat Exploited Immigration” was adopted by 167 votes in favor, with 31 MPs voting against.
Photo by Ronnie Regoma/Lehtigua/AFP
It is effective for one year and authorizes the government to limit applications for international protection to limited periods and limited areas of its territory.
The right-wing government pleaded for new legal instruments after nearly 1,000 visa-free migrants arrived last fall along its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia.
“This is a strong message for Russia and our allies. Finland will ensure its own security and the security of EU borders,” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told a press conference after the parliamentary vote.
Finland closed its border with its eastern neighbor indefinitely in mid-December.
Experts and the government have agreed that the law contravenes Finland’s international human rights commitments and its constitution.
According to Finnish media, around a hundred people protested outside parliament against the speech, nicknamed the “Expulsion Act”.
Opposition parties such as the Green League and the Left Alliance opposed the bill.
“This is a sad day for the rule of law and human rights in Finland,” Lee Andersson, head of the Left Alliance, said in a message on X.
The law, which is intended to counter “hybrid Russian attacks” in the words of Finnish officials, could be implemented for a month in limited areas of the country if it is deemed a threat to its sovereignty and security.
Only asylum seekers in vulnerable situations, such as children and people with disabilities, can claim international protection.
Their eligibility depends on the border guards’ assessment of their case and cannot be appealed.
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have urged Finnish lawmakers to reconsider the text.
