Finland applies new EU screening rules to asylum seekers from Russia

Two foreign nationals who crossed from Russia into Ilomantsi on Monday are among the first in Finland to undergo a new EU screening procedure for asylum seekers, according to the Finnish Border Guard.

A regulation that took effect across the EU in June applies to those who have irregularly crossed an external border. The Border Guard has already applied the stricter process to about ten asylum applicants.

Under the procedure, authorities verify the identity, background, and protection needs of arrivals. The assessment determines whether they enter the asylum process or face removal. Screened individuals are registered in the EU’s Eurodac database and must remain available to authorities during the process.

The new rules do not apply if screening has already been conducted in another EU member state or if the person arrived as a result of search and rescue operations.