Finnish Border Guards anticipate that the migrant situation at the Russia–Finland border will persist. This expectation was conveyed in statements to TASS by the department’s press service, outlining the ongoing challenges at the frontier and the readiness to respond to evolving conditions on the ground.
Following a decision by the Finnish Council of Ministers, all border checkpoints with Russia will stay closed through January 14, 2023. The measure reflects a strategic approach aimed at maintaining order and assessing broader security and humanitarian considerations in response to the influx.
The Border Guards noted that migration from Russia to Finland could continue in various forms after January 14, 2024. They highlighted that future actions, including any resumption of transit through border checkpoints, would hinge on the government’s subsequent decisions regarding border management and asylum policies. This accounting underscores how policy shifts at the national level can shape daily operations at the frontier.
Border Patrol previously closed the checkpoint on two occasions. Initially, automobile checkpoints were shut from November 30 to December 14, 2022. Although two checkpoints were reopened later, the flow of migrants resumed, prompting the Council of Ministers to extend the border closure to January 14. The recurring closures illustrate the balancing act between border control and humanitarian considerations amid fluctuating migrant movements.
In December, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo indicated that the government would evaluate the possibility of returning migrants who arrive from the Russia–Finland border without processing asylum applications. The contemplation of return policies reflects ongoing debates about how best to handle border-crossing asylum requests while ensuring national security and compliance with international obligations.
Previously, Finnish citizens had urged authorities to take decisive steps at the border. A court ruling reflected concern about the border closure and the alignment of enforcement with legal procedures. The evolving legal and political context continues to shape how Finland manages border control, asylum processing, and regional cooperation on migration issues.