A new law in Finland aimed at restricting asylum seekers from entering through its extensive eastern border with Russia came into effect this week (Monday July 22) and will be valid for one year. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed support for the legislation.

On July 12, Finland's Parliament passed legislation allowing border guards to turn away asylum seekers at the country's eastern border under specific conditions. This new law follows an increase in asylum seekers from countries including Somalia and Syria entering Finland via its 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia over the past year.

Helsinki alleges that Moscow has been orchestrating the increase in migrant arrivals, accusing it of "weaponizing migration" as part of "hybrid attacks" in retaliation for Finland's NATO membership. The Kremlin denies these accusations.

New law dampens Finland's commitment to human rights

A total of 167 lawmakers voted in favor of the "Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalized Migration," with 31 opposing it, some citing concerns over potential human rights violations.

Following the vote, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated at a press conference that the legislation sends "a strong message to Russia and a strong message to our allies that Finland will take care of its own security and the security of the EU border."

Orpo's conservative government has said the bill is vital to stop future arrivals, throwing into question Finland's international human rights commitments.

The new rules will allow Finland to restrict asylum applications for one month at a time in specific areas if Helsinki deems the country's sovereignty and national security to be at risk.

Under the new law, only certain asylum-seekers, such as children or people with disabilities, will be permitted to seek protection.

The new bill has sparked controversy in Finland, with legal experts arguing that it violates human rights obligations embedded in Finland's constitution and international agreements.

'A sad day for Finland's rule of law and human rights'

The legislation has met strong resistance from left-wing and green politicians. Left Alliance leader Li Andersson expressed her disapproval on social media, stating, "It is a sad day for Finland's rule of law and human rights."

"This law makes it possible to do pushbacks, which are always illegal," Frank Johansson, director of Amnesty International Finland, reportedly told the news magazine Politico.

Earlier this month people protested outside Parliament against what they have dubbed the "deportation law," according to media reports.

Similar measures have been adopted by other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, in recent years, making it more challenging for migrants to cross the EU's external borders from Russia or Belarus.

In response to the migrant increase, Finland closed its border with Russia at the end of November but later reopened two crossing points.

With AFP and Reuters