Finnish Government proposes extending validity of Border Security Act

The Finnish Government proposes extending the validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration (‘Border Security Act’) until 31 December 2028. The purpose of the Act is to combat any attempts to put pressure on Finland, strengthen border security and prepare for the most serious incidents of instrumentalised migration.

“Finland has taken determined action to ensure border security. The Border Security Act helps us ensure that border authorities can act effectively in the most serious incidents of instrumentalised migration, says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

No changes are proposed to the content of the act. The threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland’s eastern border has remained high. According to the information and assessment provided by the Finnish Border Guard, the situation has not changed significantly since 2025, when the act was previously extended.

The act is due to enter into force by 31 December 2026 at the latest.

Act helps prepare for the most serious incidents

The Border Security Act lays down the conditions under which the Government can decide to restrict the reception of applications for international protection in a limited area at Finland’s national border and in its immediate vicinity. Its application requires a separate government decision, and it can only be applied if no other means are sufficient to safeguard the sovereignty or national security of Finland.

The closure of border crossing points has so far proved sufficient to halt instrumentalised migration. For now, instrumentalised migration has not spread beyond the border crossing points. However, it is essential to prepare for the possibility that the situation may change rapidly and critically.

In June, the Government decided that Finland’s eastern border would remain closed until further notice. The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023. The situation and the necessity of the restrictions are monitored regularly.

Inquiries:
Sanna Palo, Chief of Legal Division, tel. +358 295 421 601, [email protected]