The Finnish government has proposed emergency legislation on May 21 to block asylum seekers from entering the country through its extensive border with Russia, according to Reuters.
The move comes as Finland, like many other European countries, has been facing a surge in the number of asylum seekers in recent years. In 2015, the country received over 30,000 applications for asylum, with the majority of them coming from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. This has put a strain on Finland’s resources and led to a heated debate on immigration policies.
The proposed legislation aims to restrict the entry of asylum seekers from Russia, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) border with Finland. The government argues that the current system, which allows asylum seekers to enter the country without a visa and apply for asylum at the border, has been exploited by individuals seeking to abuse the system.
Under the new legislation, asylum seekers would be required to have a valid visa or residence permit to enter Finland. This would effectively block individuals from entering the country through the Russian border, as Russia does not issue visas to citizens of most countries.
The government also plans to increase border controls and surveillance to prevent illegal entries. In addition, the proposed legislation would allow authorities to detain asylum seekers at the border for up to 72 hours, instead of the current 24 hours, while their applications are processed.
The move has been met with mixed reactions from various groups. Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to ensure the security and stability of the country, as well as to prevent abuse of the asylum system. They also point out that Finland has a responsibility to protect its citizens and maintain control over its borders.
On the other hand, critics argue that the proposed legislation goes against the country’s humanitarian values and obligations under international law. They argue that asylum seekers have the right to seek protection and any attempt to restrict their access to it is inhumane and goes against the principles of human rights.
The Finnish government has defended its proposal, stating that it is in line with the country’s international obligations and that it does not violate any human rights. They also emphasize that the legislation is a temporary measure to address the current situation and that it will be reviewed and adjusted as needed.
The proposal has also sparked concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Russia. The Russian government has expressed its disappointment with the move, stating that it goes against the spirit of cooperation between the two countries and may have negative consequences for the region.
The Finnish government, however, maintains that the proposed legislation is not aimed at any specific country and that it is a necessary step to manage the influx of asylum seekers.
In conclusion, the Finnish government’s proposal to block asylum seekers from entering the country through its border with Russia has sparked a heated debate. While some support the move as a necessary measure to maintain security and control over the country’s borders, others criticize it for going against humanitarian values and international obligations. As the proposal makes its way through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how it will impact the situation and whether it will be effective in addressing the challenges posed by the influx of asylum seekers.
