Govt may engage ex-lawmen as border restrictions begins Thursday

Trained professionals in internal security, particularly retired border guards, police officers and students being trained in law enforcement may be called upon to work at Finland’s borders to help implement the government’s decision to restrict cross-border traffic from Thursday midnight.

Border-crossing points will be closed and border controls will be reintroduced, said a government press release.

The police will monitor, within the limits of their resources, compliance with the restrictions on public gatherings imposed due to the coronavirus threat and, if necessary, provide executive assistance to other authorities.

The Emergency Powers Act will be brought into effect by a government decree for the period of March18 to April 13. This will have significant impacts on the activities and finances of the police and the Border Guard.

“Finland and the whole world are facing a very serious situation because of the coronavirus. We all have to do our part because of this. Cross-border traffic at Finland’s borders will be significantly restricted. The government has made these decisions to help ensure that Finnish society and the healthcare system continue to function under emergency conditions,” said Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo.

People must not travel abroad at all between March 18 and April 13. This applies to travelling by land, sea as well as by air.

A person returning to Finland from abroad should remain in quarantine-like conditions for 14 days. Finnish citizens and permanent residents in Finland are always allowed to return to Finland. Foreign travellers in Finland can leave the country.

Freight and goods traffic will continue at all borders. Travelling necessary for work is still possible and continues within the EU’s internal borders. This will ensure access to everyday goods and medicines, and prevent the society and the economy from shutting down.

Helsinki-Vantaa, Mariehamn and Turku airports will be kept open for goods and return traffic. The Border Guard may allow travelling for work, if there is a necessary and justified reason. Other airports will be closed to international traffic.

At the international border-crossing points at the eastern border, traffic and opening hours will be restricted. Passenger traffic via the Vainikkala border crossing point will be suspended.

The Kilpisjärvi, Karigasniemi, Kivilompolo, Nuorgam, Näätämö, and Utsjoki border-crossing points at the Finland-Norway border will be kept open for goods and return traffic. In addition, travelling necessary for work and other necessary traffic may be permitted. At the Finnish-Swedish border, Karesuvanto, Kolari, Muonio, Pello, Tornio, and Ylitornio border-crossing points will be kept open for goods and return traffic. Crossing the border is not permitted elsewhere.

Although cross-border commuting is not prevented, the reduction in air and sea traffic will make it significantly more difficult for foreign workers to enter Finland from abroad.

EU citizens and people with a permanent residence permit in another EU country will be allowed to return to their home countries via Finland, taking into account the state of health of the persons concerned.

The closure of a border-crossing point may not prevent anyone’s right to international protection.