Finland is preparing a visa barrier for Russian athletes: who will be affected by the new rules.
The country's government plans to ban the issuance of short-term work visas to Russians, which allow them to attend competitions, Yle reports. The amendment can be approved on November 12.
Visas already issued will not be cancelled. Therefore, the new rules should not affect Russian hockey players who will play in NHL games in Helsinki this week. Carolina Hurricanes include Andrey Savchnikov, Piotr Kochetkov and Alexander Nikishin.
Finland limited tourist travel to Russians in 2022, but kept the option of entry for short-term work.
New measures are being taken amid controversy over the return of Russian hockey teams to the international arena. Following the CAS decision to oblige the IIHF to allow Russian teams to compete, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Norway and Denmark refused to play them in the 2027 World Championship.