In Helsinki, the Finnish Parliament has passed a temporary bill that grants border agents the authority to turn away asylum seekers at its borders, escalating an already tense relationship with Russia. The law, which will be in place for a year, was approved by a 167-31 vote and required an expedited constitutional amendment due to its urgent nature. Finland's decision comes in the wake of accusations against Russia for allegedly weaponizing migration to destabilize Finland, particularly after the Nordic nation joined NATO.

Finland shares an 830-mile border with Russia, and the countries have experienced deteriorating relations following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Finland closed all land crossings, accusing Russia of orchestrating the movement of migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to Finnish borders. These actions are seen as retaliations for Finland's NATO membership and its support for Ukraine.

The newly passed law allows border guards to reject third-country migrants seeking asylum at crossing points, although provisions are made for children, disabled individuals, and others deemed particularly vulnerable. The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, cites national security as the driving force behind the legislation. Orpo's center-right government emphasizes that the law is essential to prevent Russia from exploiting loopholes in Finland's legislation for hybrid warfare tactics.

Human rights groups and legal experts have raised alarms about the law's implications, arguing that it contravenes international rights commitments outlined by both the United Nations and European Union treaties. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, expressed concerns that the new law could set a dangerous precedent for other countries and undermine the global asylum system.

The controversial bill follows a period of increased migration pressure at the Russia-Finland border. In recent months, over 1,300 migrants without proper documentation entered Finland, an unusually high number attributed to Russian influence. This influx prompted Finland to shut down its land borders late last year. Helsinki believes Moscow's actions are in retaliation for Finland's recent NATO membership and its stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine.

According to a survey, around 65 percent of Finns support the new law, viewing it as crucial for national security, while 19 percent oppose it. Notably, Finance Minister Riikka Purra of the nationalist far-right Finns Party voiced strong support for the legislation, emphasizing that Finland cannot allow Russia to manipulate its laws and international agreements.

Despite its national security intentions, the law has faced criticism for its potential violations of both European and international law concerning pushbacks— the practice of forcibly returning individuals across an international border without proper assessment of their asylum claims. Similar measures have been taken by other EU members such as Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania in response to migration pressures from Belarus.

There have been no new arrivals by asylum seekers since March, following the border closures. The legislation's harsh measures are presented as necessary by proponents to stop further migratory waves orchestrated by Russia. However, the concern remains that this approach could lead to abuses and undermine Finland's long-standing commitment to human rights.

In response to these challenges, Prime Minister Orpo remarked, “This sends a strong message to Russia and to our allies. Finland looks after its national security and the security of the E.U. border.” The law awaits approval from President Alexander Stubb but has already sparked significant discussion on an international level, drawing attention to the balance between national security and human rights obligations.