Norway–Russia border barrier

The Norway–Russia border barrier is an international border barrier under construction by Norway on the Norway–Russia border. Construction of the barrier began in September 2016. The intent of the project is to prevent the smuggling and illegal crossing of migrants from the Middle East, mainly from Syria, who have used Russia as a route of entry into Norway (and thus into the European Union's passport-free Schengen zone).

Background

In 2016, 5,500 asylum-seekers illegally entered Norway from Russia.[1][2] Because it is illegal to drive from Russia to Norway without proper legal permission, and crossing on foot is prohibited, the migrants make the crossing on bicycles.[3][4] In end of September it was discovered that some foundations have to be moved, since the border treaty says that there shall be no built object within two meters (80 in) from the border on each side, and some foundations were built up to 15 cm (6 in) too close to the border.[5]

Barrier

The barrier is located at the Storskog border crossing.[1] It is built of steel and stands 660 feet (200 m) long and 11 feet (3.4 m) to 12 feet (3.7 m) high.[1] Norwegian officials aim to complete the barrier before winter temperatures harden the ground.[1]

Juxtaposed border control

There has been an agreement that the Russian border control do not allow people to cross the border if they don't have proper visas into Norway. This means that they can't apply for asylum since they never reach Norway. In doubtful cases, Norwegian border police are allowed to see the passports while the bearer has to wait in the Russian station.[6] This is the background for the barrier, preventing people from escaping the station and run to Norway.

Old barrier

The Norwegian-Russian border, seen from Skafferhullet, Norway, with a Norwegian fence.

There exists an older barrier at the old border control site at Skafferhullet near the Pasvik river 4 km west of Storskog. It was probably built around 1960 when the road was used for construction of the Borisoglebsky hydroelectric station, and only accessible for authorised traffic. This border crossing was passable for general public before 1940 and again in 1965.

Furthermore, there are fences around the Pasvik River hydroelectric stations, of which some are located on the border. These fences are not considered to be border fences, but private installation fences.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Norway Will Build a Fence at Its Arctic Border With Russia". New York Times. Reuters. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  2. ↑ Pancevsky, Bojan (4 September 2016). "Norway builds Arctic border fence as it gives migrants the cold shoulder". The Times of London. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  3. ↑ Osborne, Samuel (25 August 2016). "Norway to build border fence with Russia to keep out refugees". The Independent.
  4. ↑ Hovland, Kjetil Malkenes (3 September 2015). "Syrian Refugees Take Arctic Route to Europe More than 150 refugees have entered Norway from Arctic Russia this year". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  5. ↑ Må flytte deler av omstridt gjerde på Storskog én centimeter
  6. ↑ Storskog: Nye «sykkelasylsøkere» på vei? (Human Rights Service, 6 Oct 2016, In Norwegian)
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