Finland passes law to block immigrants from Russia

Finland's parliament today passed a law giving border guards the power to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia.

More than 1,300 people arrived in the country, forcing Helsinki to close the border, Reuters writes.

Finland has accused Russia of arming migrants by encouraging many of them from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a charge the Kremlin denies.

Helsinki believes Moscow is promoting the passes in retaliation for Finland's NATO membership, which supports Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's right-wing government has said the bill is important to stop future immigration, despite the fact that the law runs counter to Finland's international human rights commitments.

"This is a strong message to Russia, a message to our allies, that Finland cares about its security, we care about EU border security," Orpo said at a press conference after the vote.

More than 1,300 asylum seekers crossed from Russia since last summer, but there had been no new arrivals since March until Thursday 11 July.

Finland closed its land borders with Russia late last year.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said at the press conference after the approval of the bill that no decision had been made on when to reopen the border crossings with Russia.

Finland's move is similar to steps taken in recent years in other European countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to make it more difficult for migrants to cross the border from Russia and Belarus, Russia's allies.

The Finnish bill was approved with 167 votes in favor, 31 against and one abstention.

Orpo called on migrants thinking of coming to Europe through Russia not to think of it as a journey.

"Don't go with the smugglers, he said at the press conference. Finland takes care of its borders."