06.07.2023, 19:43
Finland approves indefinite restrictions on the entry of Russians
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS The Finnish government has approved the indefinite retention of restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into the country and the issuance of visas to them. This follows from the documents published on the website of the government of the country. The decision is explained by the "threat to Finland's international relations."
"The principal purpose of this decision is to provide conditions for the suspension of non-mandatory trips of citizens of the Russian Federation to Finland, as well as transit through Finland to the rest of the Schengen countries. <...>The principal goal of the government is to ensure that the entry and transit of citizens of the Russian Federation does not damage Finland's international relations," the message reads.
Recall that Finland closed the entry for Russian tourists on September 30, 2022. Then it was said that the restriction would be in effect until further notice. At the same time, the border guard of the republic reported that those who cross the border for humanitarian and some other reasons, as well as certain categories of citizens (family members of EU citizens, persons entering for the purpose of treatment, etc.) can get to Finland.
The fact that Finland may tighten the rules of entry into the country for Russians, RBC Petersburg wrote at the end of June. The head of the consular department of the Finnish Foreign Ministry, Jussi Tanner, said that the tightening could affect Russians who own real estate in Suomi, as well as applicants planning to enroll in Finnish educational institutions. "In the future, the owners [of the property] will have to prove that maintenance work on the facility or repairs require their presence," he said. As for applicants, only Russians who enroll in such educational programs that lead to obtaining a degree or qualification will be able to enter Finland in the future. It is also planned to limit business tourism.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate. On June 6, 2023, Finland announced the expulsion of nine employees of the Russian embassy. The authorities of the country considered that their actions contradict the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. A month later, on July 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared nine employees of the Finnish Embassy persona non grata. In addition, the Russian side withdrew its consent to the activities of the Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg from October 1.
"The principal purpose of this decision is to provide conditions for the suspension of non-mandatory trips of citizens of the Russian Federation to Finland, as well as transit through Finland to the rest of the Schengen countries. <...>The principal goal of the government is to ensure that the entry and transit of citizens of the Russian Federation does not damage Finland's international relations," the message reads.
Recall that Finland closed the entry for Russian tourists on September 30, 2022. Then it was said that the restriction would be in effect until further notice. At the same time, the border guard of the republic reported that those who cross the border for humanitarian and some other reasons, as well as certain categories of citizens (family members of EU citizens, persons entering for the purpose of treatment, etc.) can get to Finland.
The fact that Finland may tighten the rules of entry into the country for Russians, RBC Petersburg wrote at the end of June. The head of the consular department of the Finnish Foreign Ministry, Jussi Tanner, said that the tightening could affect Russians who own real estate in Suomi, as well as applicants planning to enroll in Finnish educational institutions. "In the future, the owners [of the property] will have to prove that maintenance work on the facility or repairs require their presence," he said. As for applicants, only Russians who enroll in such educational programs that lead to obtaining a degree or qualification will be able to enter Finland in the future. It is also planned to limit business tourism.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate. On June 6, 2023, Finland announced the expulsion of nine employees of the Russian embassy. The authorities of the country considered that their actions contradict the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. A month later, on July 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared nine employees of the Finnish Embassy persona non grata. In addition, the Russian side withdrew its consent to the activities of the Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg from October 1.
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