Finland Implements Measures Against Unlawful Entry by Kenyan Migrants

Finnish border officers have begun constructing barriers In an effort to curb the influx of migrants illegally crossing into Finland through vulnerable areas.

These barriers will close off major border points, leaving only one entry available for migrants seeking asylum in the country. This course of action is motivated by the substantial discovery of nearly 600 migrants from various regions within Africa and the Middle East who lack proper visas and documentation. By and large, Kenya was cited among the countries with a considerable number of citizenry pursuing a better life overseas.

Border guards and soldiers have taken action in accordance with the directive by commencing the building of barriers made of concrete and barbed wire in order to hinder unauthorized crossings. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has acknowledged the implementation of these measures, yet he has chosen not to openly address any potential influence stemming from reports of conflicts between Finland and Russia concerning border activities. Prior to this, Finland had already shut down four crossing points due to apprehensions about misconduct by the Russian government at their checkpoints along the eastern border.

Prime Minister Orpo has explicitly identified Vartius, Kuusamo, and Salla as the closed crossing points, leaving Raja-Jooseppi as the only entry point that remains open. Those associated with NATO are facing repercussions as they are being barred from entering Russia via its border. Russia vehemently opposes NATO, a coalition comprising 31 member states, which includes 29 European nations as well as the United States and Canada. The Russian government is apprehensive that the expansion of NATO could potentially undermine European security, particularly in light of their ongoing disputes with the US.

PM Orpo has acknowledged the ineffectiveness of Finland’s implemented measures, claiming they have only worsened the issue instead of addressing it. According to the Finnish Border Guards, the construction of a border fence is estimated to take three to four years and is planned to stand for a duration of 50 years. While the majority of migrants affected are young adults, families with children are also impacted.