Finland temporarily closes sea border crossing points near the border with Russia
The Finnish authorities have decided to temporarily close checkpoints for private boats in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. The restrictions are explained as an intention to protect the routes from illegal migrants trying to enter the EU from Russia.
This was reported by the Finnish edition of Yle.
“By closing the Baltic Sea border crossing points, we are preparing for the fact that asylum seekers will not start arriving in Finland by boat,” explained Marko Turunen, Deputy Director General, Colonel from the Border and Maritime Department of the Finnish Border Guard.
Thus, at the last meeting of the government council, it was decided to close the crossings leading to the Saimaa Canal and other sea crossings in the eastern part of the bay.
It is noted that the border crossings at the ports of Haapasaari and Nuijamaa, as well as the Santio waterway, will be inaccessible until April 15. The Border Guard believes that if these sea borders remain open, migrants may try to use them to enter Finland.
“The organizers of illegal immigration, that is, criminal organizations, do not think about safety. In the Mediterranean, for example, people are shoved into bad boats. This creates unnecessary risks for these people,” Turunen said.
Turunen emphasized that the border closure is a precautionary measure.
