Finnish government proposes extending border security law to end of 2028

The Finnish government has proposed extending the so-called “turnback law” or border security law until the end of 2028, according to a draft bill circulated for comment by the Ministry of the Interior.

Under the law, authorities can prevent asylum seekers from entering the country and restrict the processing of asylum applications if Russia directs asylum seekers to the eastern border to pressure Finland.

Finland’s border crossings with Russia have been closed since December 2023 under government decisions.