Finland is shutting all crossings on its border with Russia, accusing Moscow of orchestrating a migrant surge as a 'hybrid attack'. The last remaining road post, Raja-Jooseppi in the Arctic Circle, will close on Thursday for two weeks, following the closure of seven other posts this month.
Around 900 asylum seekers entered Finland from Russia in November, up from fewer than one per day on average. They come from countries including Morocco, Pakistan, and Syria, according to Finnish authorities. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government is 'determined to put an end to the crossings'.
Finland claims Russia is channelling migrants towards its border as part of an 'influence operation'. Colonel Matti Pitkaniitty of the Finnish border guard told the BBC there was clear evidence of Russian officials helping migrants cross, such as closing border points after crossings to prevent returns.
The closure has raised legal concerns. Finland's non-discrimination ombudsman warned it could jeopardise the right to seek asylum under international law, especially as Raja-Jooseppi is 900km north of Helsinki. The government says people arriving by boat or air can still seek asylum.
Pia Lindfors, executive director of the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre, expressed fear that asylum seekers might attempt to cross through forests and rivers away from official posts. 'Now winter has arrived, this could be even more dangerous,' she told the BBC, urging authorities to provide help to those in need on the Russian side.
A rail crossing will remain open for freight traffic. Only three migrants crossed through Raja-Jooseppi on Monday and none on Tuesday, but the government says it is taking no chances with what it views as a threat to national security.
