Ministry of the Interior to prepare restrictions at eastern border under Border Guard Act

The Government parties agreed that the Ministry of the Interior will present a proposal to a government session on adopting restrictions in accordance with section 16 of the Border Guard Act.

Section 16 of the Border Guard Act contains several measures that can be taken as needed. The Government may decide to restrict cross-border traffic or to close border crossing points. The Government may also decide to centralise the submission of applications for international protection at one or more border crossing points.

“As agreed in the Government Programme, the Government will ensure Finland's border security in all situations. If necessary, the Government is prepared to exercise all its powers under the law in situations that seriously endanger border security,” Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen says.

Measures may be taken when legal requirements are met if necessary to prevent a serious threat to public order, national security or public health.

The Finnish Government and authorities are monitoring the situation closely

The total number of asylum seekers at the eastern border is still relatively low, but the number has grown sharply in a short period of time. The asylum seekers arriving now are from several different countries, which is a new development.

The behaviour of the Russian authorities has changed. They have begun allowing people to travel from Russia to Finland without the proper documents. This is illegal entry. Based on observations made by the authorities, this phenomenon involves international crime.

The Government and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Finland is well prepared for different incidents involving border security, public order and security, and national security and we will take action as the situation requires.