The Finnish government will extend the closure of border crossing stations with Russia until April 14, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday (8).
Finland closed its eastern border with Russia late last year amid a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia. The country accused Moscow of sending the migrants across the border, an allegation the Kremlin denied.
Finnish authorities have evidence indicating that more migrants would arrive from Russia if the government lifted the closure, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday (8).
“There are at least hundreds, but probably thousands, of migrants near the Russian side of the border waiting for an opportunity to continue their journey to Finland,” Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in a statement.
In total, 1,323 asylum seekers arrived in Finland from Russia between August and December last year, according to the Finnish border authority.
In January, Finland's immigration authority told Reuters it had been unable to locate around 160 of the migrants and that they had probably gone on to another European country.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
