Finnish Government prepares to extend validity of Border Security Act

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to extend the validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration (‘Border Security Act’). The purpose of the act is to respond to efforts to put pressure on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants. 

“The security situation at Finland’s eastern border is still tense but stable. However, we must be prepared for rapid and critical changes. Finland will continue its efforts to combat instrumentalised migration at its external border,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The security authorities estimate that the threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland's eastern border remains high. The situation has not changed significantly since 2025, when the act was previously extended. Neither is quick improvement expected in the security situation.

Finland’s eastern border is the longest external border that both the EU and NATO have with Russia.

The Border Security Act is an important tool for safeguarding national security

The Border Security Act entered into force on 22 July 2024 and was originally in force for one year. In 2025, the validity of the act was extended until 31 December 2026. It lays down the conditions under which Finland can decide to restrict the reception of applications for international protection in a limited area at Finland’s national border and in its immediate vicinity. The purpose of the act is to prevent foreign states from exerting influence on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants.
The aim is to submit the government proposal to Parliament in September 2026. The term of the legislative project is from 26 May to 31 December 2026.

Finland’s eastern border will remain closed until further notice

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision was issued on 16 April 2025. The decision is in force until further notice.

Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now at Finland’s eastern border.

Inquiries:
Sanna Palo, Chief of Legal Division, tel. +358 295 421 601, firstname.lastname@raja.fi