The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, introduced a bill to combat instrumentalised immigration, allowing for the suspension of asylum applications at the border. The bill aims to prevent foreign states from using migrants to create unrest or pressure on Finland by directing them to the border. It includes physical barriers and removal of migrants who do not require international protection. Despite criticism, the government assures that border guards will receive training to identify vulnerable individuals.
Chancellor of Justice Tuomas Pöysti acknowledged the risk of rights violations but found no legal obstacles for presenting the bill to parliament. Critics, including legal experts, raise concerns about the lack of legal protection mechanisms and the delegation of decision-making to border guards.
The bill has sparked division within both ruling and opposition parties, with conflicting views on its compliance with international human rights. The government’s push for the bill’s approval faces challenges both internally and externally.