Finland passes law to stop migrants from Russia

Finland has accused Russia of using migration as a political tool by encouraging migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross its borders. The Kremlin has denied the accusation.

Finnish border guards patrol the Finnish-Russian border near the village of Hoilola, Eastern Finland on June 5. Photo: Anne Kauranen/Reuters

The right-wing government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo insists the bill is necessary to prevent future immigration, even though it conflicts with Finland's international human rights commitments.

"This is a strong message to Russia and its allies that Finland takes its security seriously, and protects the EU's borders," Orpo said at a press conference after the bill was passed.

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

The Finnish Border Guard said after the law was passed that a person had crossed the border illegally on Thursday and had applied for asylum after being caught.

The bill passed with 167 votes in favor, 31 against and one abstention. To pass, the proposal needs a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat Finnish Parliament .

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

Finland has taken similar steps to other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to stop migrants crossing their borders from Russia and Belarus.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phan-lan-thong-qua-luat-ngan-chan-nguoi-di-cu-tu-nga-post303334.html