According to the Finnish government, the country has closed all but one of its eight border crossings over the past two weeks after more than 700 migrants from Middle Eastern countries have come in.
The Nordic country accused Russia of sending an increased number of asylum-seekers over the past few days.
“Illegal immigration at Finland’s eastern border has continued to grow and has also expanded to other border crossings. Based on the observations made by the Border Guard and other authorities and the information received, it is clear that the authorities of a foreign country and other actors have a role in facilitating the arrival of persons who have crossed the border to Finland,” Finland said in a statement last week.
The country has seen around 800 migrants without proper documentation attempt to enter Finland since August of this year.
Finland connected the increased illegal immigration to “international crime,” saying it has become a crisis.
“The phenomenon is also related to international crime,” the country said. “The phenomenon and the threat of its further expansion pose a serious threat to national security and public order in Finland and elsewhere in the Schengen area. The measures in accordance with the current decision have not stopped the phenomenon in the intended way.”
