Finnish parliament approves law to block asylum seekers at Russian border

Finland’s Parliament has approved a controversial new law that will allow border guards to deny entry to asylum-seekers arriving from Russia. The legislation, which was passed on Friday, aims to reduce the number of asylum-seekers entering Finland through the country’s eastern border.

Under the new law, border guards will have the authority to turn away individuals seeking asylum if they have already passed through a safe country, such as Russia, where they could have applied for protection. The Finnish government argues that this measure is necessary to maintain the integrity of the country’s asylum system and prevent abuse of the process.

Critics of the law, however, have raised concerns about its implications for individuals fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries. They argue that denying asylum-seekers entry at the border could put their lives at risk and violate international refugee protection standards.

The decision to approve the legislation comes as Finland, like many European countries, continues to grapple with the challenges of managing the influx of asylum-seekers. The government has said that the new law is part of efforts to strengthen border security and control immigration flows.

The debate over the law has sparked significant controversy and disagreement within Finnish society, with both supporters and opponents making vocal arguments in favor of their positions. As the new measures come into effect, it remains to be seen how they will impact the country’s asylum system and the rights of individuals seeking protection in Finland.