Finnish Customs to lay off over 100 employees at eastern border crossings

Finnish Customs has concluded its restructuring negotiations, resulting in the temporary layoff of 102 employees along the eastern border, state broadcaster Yle reports.

The layoffs primarily affect staff at the Nuijamaa (up to 45 employees) and Imatra (41 employees) border stations, as well as 16 workers at northern crossing points. The measure follows the prolonged closure of Finland’s eastern border, with no immediate prospect of reopening.

Customs authorities stated they had maintained operational readiness at all eastern border crossings but must now adjust staffing levels. Going forward, preparations will focus on reopening only the Vaalimaa crossing should border traffic resume on short notice.

Employees were offered 67 alternative positions within Customs, with 43 applying and 41 accepting new roles. Despite the layoffs, essential customs operations—currently limited to rail traffic at Vainikkala and Niirala—will continue. Laid-off staff may be recalled quickly if needed.

The eastern border has remained closed due to security concerns, with only limited freight rail connections still operational.