New act on cards on security checks at Migri

The interior ministry on Tuesday sent the government a proposal for an act on security measures at the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for comments, said an official press release.

The act would make it possible to inspect people, as well as their belongings, entering the premises of Migri to ensure that they are not carrying any objects or substances that could endanger the order or security or that could be used to damage property.

The security check will be similar to the check already in place to secure the operations of parliament, the government and the courts.

A new act on security measures would lay down provisions for the powers of security inspectors carrying out security tasks on the premises of Migri.

By conducting security checks on people who enter the premises it would be possible to protect those working at Migri against various risks, to ensure safe working conditions and to protect the property of Migri.

In a changing security environment, the authorities exercising public powers must pay more attention to security aspects. For this reason, it is necessary to take further measures to secure the premises and operations of Migri, too.

Migri has been using private security services, but the guards have not been authorised to conduct security checks on people who enter the premises. They have only been allowed to conduct security checks in situations that pose a threat. The proposed legislation would complement the current ways of preparing for security threats.

A police officer, a border guard or a person employed by Migri who is trained for the task could act as a security inspector. Security checks could also be carried out by a police-approved person who is appropriately trained for the task. In practice, security checks would be outsourced and they would be conducted by people working in the private security sector.

The powers laid down in the act would make it possible to check the identity of people entering the premises, conduct a security check or a non-intimate body search, take possession of objects, prevent people from entering the premises, remove people from the premises and apprehend people.

Security threats against public authorities and premises have increased in Finland in recent years. Security threats have also been detected in the daily work of Migri, particularly in connection with asylum interviews, and the personnel have not always felt safe at work.

The act is scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible.