Finland passes controversial border bill

Helsinki: Finland s parliament on Friday adopted controversial legislation that would allow guards to turn away asylum seekers at the border under cer...

Helsinki: Finland's parliament on Friday adopted controversial legislation that would allow guards to turn away asylum seekers at the border under certain circumstances.

The legislation follows a surge in asylum seekers arriving via Finland's eastern border, which Helsinki has claimed was orchestrated by Russia -- a charge the Kremlin has denied.

A total of 167 MPs voted in favour of the "act on temporary measures to combat instrumentalised migration" while 31 voted against.

To enter into force, the bill needs to be signed by Finland's President Alexander Stubb -- who has supported the legislation. That typically is done within days of adoption.

The act would be in force for a year and would enable the Finnish government to restrict the reception of applications for international protection at and near Finland's border.