The closed Vaalimaa border station between Finland and Russia is pictured on Dec 7, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

HELSINKI - The government of Finland decided on Tuesday to reopen two land crossings on its border with Russia.

On Nov 30, Helsinki temporarily closed all its eastern border crossings with Russia for two weeks until Dec 13 after more than 900 asylum seekers arrived at different border stations throughout November. Asylum can still be sought by people arriving by boat and air, the Finnish government said at that time.

On Thursday, Finland will reopen the crossing points at Vaalimaa in the south-east and at Niirala further north. The two border crossings will also accept applications for international protection. Both crossing points will remain open until Jan 14, 2024. All other land crossings will remain closed.

READ MORE: Finland to close all eastern border crossings until Dec 13

The government said in a press release that it would close the entire eastern border again if "instrumentalized migration" at the eastern border continues.