Finland passes a law to block the crossing of immigrants from Russia

(Reuters) –Finland’s parliament passed a law on Friday giving 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 dozens of migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a claim the Kremlin denies.

Helsinki believes Moscow is promoting the crossings in retaliation for Finland joining NATO, which is backing Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s right-wing government has said the bill is vital to stopping future arrivals, even though the law contradicts Finland’s international human rights commitments.

“This is a strong message to Russia, a strong message to our allies, that Finland takes care of its own security and the security of the EU border,” Orpo said at a news conference after the vote.

More than 1,300 asylum seekers crossed from Russia since last summer, but there were no new arrivals from March until Thursday.

The Finnish Border Guard issued a statement after the parliament vote saying that a person had crossed the border illegally on Thursday and, when caught by a border guard, requested asylum. Finland closed its land borders with Russia at the end of last year.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said at the news conference after the bill was passed that no decision had been made on when to reopen border crossings with Russia.

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 its ally Belarus.

The Finnish bill was approved by 167 votes in favor, 31 against and one abstention. To pass, the proposal needed a two-thirds majority of votes cast in the 200-seat parliament.

Orpo urged migrants considering reaching Europe through Russia not to make the journey.

“Don’t go with the smugglers,” he said at the press conference. “Finland takes care of its borders. Border access orchestrated by Russia will not lead to access to Finland or Europe.”

Moscow has denied any such intention. The Russian embassy in Helsinki did not immediately respond to a request for comment.