Life along the closed land border between Finland and Russia

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Finnish authorities ordered the closure citing “national security” reasons. NGOs condemned the measure, saying it was putting the lives of hundreds of asylum seekers at risk. Our correspondent Julián López visited the heart of the disaster area to hear people’s different perspectives.

Finnish authorities have accused Russia of coaxing illegal migrants to the border and providing them with money, food, accommodation and transportation in what they call a “hybrid attack” against Finland. Finland recently joined NATO and strongly opposes Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia denies the accusations.

“Threat to national security”

Finland claims about 500 illegal migrants crossed its eastern border in November, higher than the previous monthly average of about 30.

The Finnish government called these arrivals a “serious threat to national security and public order.”

Many of these illegal immigrants are currently being sheltered in the nearby village of Yotseno while their asylum claims are reviewed. The asylum seeker reception center is located just 10 kilometers from the Russian border. Approximately 100 people currently live here. Although the authorities did not allow us to enter the facility or give us interviews, some residents agreed to share their stories.

“It’s very easy to get here.”

Nabil, from Morocco, said: “The (Russian) police and army helped us. It’s good for us because it’s very easy to come here.”

Asylum seekers cannot be expelled while their claims are being assessed. This can take up to two years. There appears to be no reported backlash against Russia.

We also visited the Finnish Border Guard headquarters in Helsinki. Ministry Deputy Director-General Marek Sareks said that while Finland’s sea and air borders remain open, Finland has few options when it comes to its land border with Russia. There is information that.” “There are thousands of people who could come to Finland using this route,” he claimed.

Finnish NGOs have criticized the measure. Palgol Milaftab, legal advisor at Amnesty International Finland, said: And governments have a duty to respect these rights. ”

An association of Finnish and Russian dual citizens is also taking legal action.

80% of Finns agree with border closure – poll

However, recent polls show that up to 80% of Finns agree with the border closure.

Some argue that without action, 1 million illegal immigrants will arrive here in two years.

For some observers, the closure appears to be another step towards strengthening Finland’s immigration policy, although it was not part of the government’s plan and was caused by a variety of reasons. The coalition government, led by conservatives and the far right, plans to halve asylum seeker quotas and limit protection, limit family reunification and charter joint repatriation flights with other Nordic countries. .

Negotiations are ongoing and new concrete legislation has not yet been adopted, but observers agree that the country is moving towards a new immigration policy, similar to European countries, and NGOs are disappointed. are doing.