ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

In response to evolving concerns of facilitated illegal entries into Finland, the Finnish government has announced the closure of specific border-crossing points along Finland's eastern border, effective from 18 November 2023.  This decision encompasses closure of the key entry points of Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala.  This directive will be in place until 18 February 2024.1

The decision to close Finland's eastern border stems from a significant rise in illegal entries, particularly at key crossing points in southeast Finland.  This closure is essential to tackle the growing threat posed by these illegal entries, thus reinforcing public safety and national security.2

Why this matters

Individuals intending to cross the land border between Finland and Russia must now utilise the four northeastern border-crossing points that remain open for passenger transport (Rajajooseppi, Salla, Kuusamo, and Vartius).  Concurrently, Finnish citizens are mandated to comply with open border-crossing points during this period.

The submission of applications for international protection, i.e., asylum, at the land border between Finland and Russia, will be concentrated at the border-crossing points of Vartius and Salla.  People seeking to enter the country will be directed and guided to these locations.Ìý3

The closure of specific border-crossing points may significantly impact the movement of employees and individuals reliant on these routes, particularly affecting those engaged in cross-border activities or commuting between Finland and Russia.  Employees accustomed to using the now-closed border points will need to adapt to alternative crossings, potentially altering their travel logistics and routines. 

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This decision aligns with Section 16 of the Border Guard Act, which permits the government to enact such measures in the face of a serious threat to public order, national security, or public health.  The consolidation of international protection application submissions at specific border-crossing points is a strategic move in response to these concerns.4

There have been indications that external actors or authorities may have facilitated the entry of individuals into Finland through illegal means.  Consequently, the government has taken significant steps to reorganise border crossings, aiming to address the issues that have arisen.5ÌýÌý

The Finnish government and related authorities are actively monitoring the situation at Finland's eastern border.  Regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the continued necessity of this directive.  Any revisions or amendments will be promptly communicated as circumstances evolve.6

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This development signifies a pivotal shift in border-control measures, necessitating a keen adherence to the updated protocols for travel and border crossing by individuals travelling to/from Finland for tourism, business, or asylum.

The ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Finland continues to monitor the implementation of the amendments closely.

For additional information or specific inquiries related to these border-control measures, it is advisable to consult with qualified immigration counsel or a member of the immigration team with ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Finland (see the Contacts section).

Contacts

Sanna Leivo
Sanna Leivo

Manager

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Finland

Minna Pekkanen
Minna Pekkanen

Manager

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Finland

Additional Resources

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Footnotes

1 Ministry of the Interior, "" (also available at this link in Finnish, Swedish, and Russian).

2  Ministry of the Interior, "" (also available at this link in Finnish, Swedish, and Russian).

3  ±õ²ú¾±»å.Ìý

4  ±õ²ú¾±»å.Ìý

5 ±õ²ú¾±»å.Ìý

6 ±õ²ú¾±»å.Ìý

Disclaimer

*Please note the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Finland.

GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø LLP Washington National Tax practice. The ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø global organization. ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

© 2024 ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Oy Ab, a Finnish limited liability company and a member firm of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø global organization of independent member firms affiliated with ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.