The Finnish authorities have decided to temporarily close border crossings for private boats in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. The restrictions are explained as an intention to protect routes from illegal migrants attempting to enter the European Union from Russia, as reported by the Finnish publication Yle.
"By closing the Baltic Sea border crossings, we are preparing for the fact that asylum seekers will not start arriving in Finland by boat," explained Colonel Marko Turunen, Deputy Director-General of the Border and Coast Guard Department of Finland.
Thus, at the latest meeting of the Government Council, it was decided to close the crossings leading to the Saimaa Canal and other maritime crossings in the eastern part of the Gulf.
It is noted that border crossings at the ports of Haapasaari and Nuijamaa, as well as the Santiö waterway, will be unavailable until April 15. The Border Guard believes that if these maritime borders remain open, migrants may attempt to use them to enter Finland.
"The organizers of illegal immigration, that is, criminal entities, do not think about safety. For example, in the Mediterranean, people are crammed into poor boats. This creates unnecessary risks for these people," said Turunen.
Turunen emphasized that the closure of borders is a preventive measure.
