The extension of the law is the latest in a series of moves by the Nordic country to restrict entry through its eastern border with Russia.
The Finnish parliament approved the extension of a temporary law allowing border guards to turn away asylum seekers under certain circumstances, news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) reported on Wednesday (June 4).
By a vote of 168 in favor and 29 against, the "Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalized Migration" (also referred to as the Border Security Act) was extended until the end of 2026. Under this law, border guards would be allowed to turn away asylum seekers at the Nordic country's closed eastern border with Russia and send them back, and thereby prevent them from filing an asylum claim.
The controversial law was first adopted in July last year.
Recently, Finland introduced several policies that restrict the rights of asylum seekers over the past year, including cutting social benefits.
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Arrivals through Russia
In 2023, about 1,300 migrants from third countries such as Syria and Somalia arrived in Finland through Russia to apply for asylum. Helsinki claimed that the move was orchestrated by Moscow.
The two countries share a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border. Helsinki has accused the Kremlin of weaponizing migration in response to Finland's accession to NATO, triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin has denied this.
Following the incident, Finland closed all eight crossing points to Russia indefinitely, to prevent arrivals over that border.
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Fortifying border fences
The extension came on the heels of Finland completing the first 35 kilometers of a planned 200-kilometer fence along its border with Russia, part of a broader effort to curb unauthorized migration.
Construction began in 2023 following a sharp rise in crossings, which Helsinki suspects was encouraged by Moscow as a form of hybrid pressure.
The 15-foot-high barrier features metal railings, barbed wire, and advanced surveillance equipment, including cameras, sensors, loudspeakers, and lighting. The fence is being built along sections of Finland’s 1,344-kilometer border with Russia and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2026.
Authorities say the goal is to better control border traffic and strengthen national security amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Read AlsoFinland completes first part of fence on eastern border with Russia