President approves controversial deportation law

The President on Tuesday approved the bill for the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration, said an official press release.

The aim of the act is to improve border security and ensure that Finland has effective means at its disposal to combat instrumentalised migration, which is being used to put pressure on Finland.

The aim is also to prepare for more serious instances of instrumentalised migration.

The act will enter into force on July 22 and will remain in force for one year.

Earlier on July 12, the parliament passed the amendments to the border law allowing the Finnish border authorities to refuse to accept asylum applications under certain circumstances.

The so-called deportation law enacted with the view to combat instrumentalised entry, was passed by 167 votes to 31 with one abstention.

President Alexander Stubb in a statement said that the act that derogates from the Constitution and that is vital for national security has now been passed.

“Parliament made its decision by the required broad majority. I today (Tuesday) approved the bill at the presidential session of the Government,” he said in the statement.

“I understand the legal and humane considerations associated with this act. The debate is an indication of Finnish people’s strong commitment to national security and the rule of law,” the President added.

“Despite differing views, we all pursue Finland’s best interest,” said Stubb.