Finland considers closing all border crossings with Russia due to migrants

(Patria) - Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is considering the possible closure of some or even all checkpoints on the border with Russia due to an influx of illegal migrants from the Middle East.

"We may restrict border traffic, close some or even all crossings, or place a reception centre for asylum seekers in one location," the prime minister said, commenting on reports of an increase in the number of people crossing the country's eastern border without the necessary documents, reported by Yle television and carried by the Tass agency.

"The government's message is clear. We want to ensure the security of our border," the prime minister said.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said that Finnish authorities had decided to begin preparatory work to restrict traffic on the border with Russia.

Helsinki reported about 60 asylum seekers without documents who arrived at the eastern border this week. Last week there were 71. According to border service data, they are not Russian citizens, and most are from the Middle East.

Helsinki says it has discussed the issue with Moscow.