Validity of Border Security Act to be extended until 31 December 2026 

The validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration (‘Border Security Act’) will be extended until 31 December 2026. The purpose of the act is to prevent efforts to put pressure on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants. The Government submitted the relevant amendments for approval on 18 June. The President of the Republic is scheduled to approve the amendments on 27 June, and they will enter into force on 1 July.

“The threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland’s eastern border remains high and difficult to predict. The situation at the border is tense but stable. However, we must prepare for the possibility that the situation may change rapidly and seriously,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

So far, the Border Security Act has not been applied. The application of the act would require a separate decision, and it would be the last resort to control the situation. By extending the validity of the Border Security Act, the Government will ensure that border authorities have sufficient powers to act preventively and effectively in the most serious incidents of instrumentalised migration.

Finland’s eastern border is the longest external border that both the EU and NATO have with Russia.

The Border Security Act is an important tool for protecting national security

The Border Security Act entered into force on 22 July 2024 and was originally in force for one year. It lays down the conditions under which Finland can decide to restrict the reception of applications for international protection in a limited area on Finland’s national border and in its immediate vicinity. The purpose of the act is to prevent efforts to put pressure on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants.

Finland’s eastern border will remain closed until further notice

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision was issued on 16 April 2025 and will remain in force until further notice. However, the situation and the necessity of the restrictions are monitored regularly.

Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions and the enactment of the Border Security Act have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now.

Inquiries:
Anne Ihanus, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 421 608, [email protected]