Finland Passes Controversial Law on Russian Asylum Seekers

Finland's Parliament has passed a controversial bill allowing border guards to turn away asylum seekers at its border with Russia under certain circumstances, in response to what Helsinki claims is Russia's 'weaponization of migration.' The legislation, which will be in force for a year, aims to curb the influx of migrants and is seen as a response to Russia's alleged hybrid warfare following Finland's accession to NATO. Despite its approval by a significant majority of 167 to 31, the bill has faced criticism for potentially violating human rights obligations enshrined in Finland's constitution and international law. The law permits the rejection of asylum applications at the border for up to a month at a time, except for vulnerable groups such as children and people with disabilities. Critics, including opposition parties and human rights advocates, argue that the bill contravenes international legal commitments and Finland's own constitutional rights.