Views invited on legislative proposal to extend validity of Border Security Act
The Finnish Ministry of the Interior requests views on a draft government proposal to extend the validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration, known as the Border Security Act. The purpose of the act is to prevent the use of instrumentalised migration to put pressure on Finland.
The Government proposes extending the validity of the Border Security Act until 31 December 2028. No changes are proposed to the content of the act.
“The security authorities estimate that the threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland's eastern border will remain high for quite some time. Rapid changes in the security situation are also not expected,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.
The Border Security Act is an important tool for safeguarding national security
The Border Security Act entered into force on 22 July 2024 and was originally in force for one year. In 2025, the validity of the act was extended until 31 December 2026. It lays down the conditions under which Finland 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.
The act aims to effectively combat the use of instrumentalised migration to put pressure on Finland. It ensures that border authorities have sufficient powers to effectively combat instrumentalised migration. Its application always requires a separate decision.
The aim is to submit the government proposal to Parliament in September 2026. The legislative proposal is being circulated for views until 14 August.
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 made on 4 June 2026. The decision is in force until further notice.
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 have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now at Finland’s eastern border.
Inquiries:
Sanna Palo, Chief of Legal Division, tel. +358 295 421 601, [email protected]