The Finnish government is set to propose an extension of the so-called deportation law on Thursday, according to Yle's sources.
The proposal will be discussed in the Council of State, with initial reports on the matter coming from Iltalehti and Finnish News Agency STT.
The law, originally enacted in July last year following a tightly contested vote, requires a five-sixths majority in Parliament for its extension.
According to Yle's sources, political parties are expected to position themselves similarly to the previous vote. The Green Party and Left Alliance continue to oppose the measure, while other parties are provisionally in favour.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) briefed parliamentary group representatives on the proposed extension on Wednesday.
The legislation was introduced to prevent Russia from using asylum seekers as a tool of "instrumentalised migration," directing them towards Finland's border. The government justified the law based on intelligence gathered by border authorities, though these details were not made public.
SDP and Centre Party likely to secure majority
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) appears set to support the extension.
"Ensuring border security is as relevant today as it was a year ago," said SDP parliamentary group chair Tytti Tuppurainen.
During the initial vote, the Social Democrats were split, with six MPs opposing the law. The party will finalise its stance after reviewing the government's official proposal and its justifications. However, within the party, it is believed that the extension will pass without difficulty. Given that a five-sixths majority is required, the backing of major parliamentary groups is essential.
Similarly, Centre Party chair Antti Kaikkonen expects his group to support the proposal.
While the final draft has yet to be presented, party sources indicate they will endorse it, provided it is well-formulated.
In contrast, the Greens and Left Alliance remain opposed, as they were last summer.
"The Green Party is committed to strengthening border security, but it must be done in a manner consistent with human rights obligations," said Green Party parliamentary group chair Oras Tynkkynen.
Tynkkynen argued that the law conflicts with Finland's constitution, as well as EU law and international agreements.
Legal scholars have also criticised the law, stating that it violates international treaties guaranteeing asylum seekers the right to seek protection. Several complaints regarding the law have been filed with the European Commission.
Government seeks extension until 2026
The government aims to extend the law until the end of 2026. However, Chancellor of Justice Tuomas Pöysti has called on the government to provide stronger justifications for why the current situation necessitates its continuation.
The law is intended to prevent Russia from directing asylum seekers towards Finland.
Under its provisions, border authorities could, in certain situations, deny entry to asylum seekers or remove them from the country without processing their asylum applications. Such measures would require separate decisions for implementation.
Initially, it was expected that the law would allow Finland to reopen border crossings with Russia. However, this has not occurred, and the eastern border remains closed.
