Фото: Департамент полиции и погранохраны Эстонии, Facebook
Estonian police have detained 32 foreign nationals over the past three days in connection with the migration flow from Belarus across the Latvian border. The detentions took place in various parts of Tallinn, including an accommodation center in the Nõmme district, the port and the city center. Information provided by a resident of Harju County helped police detain one of the groups.
The detainees had no documents that would allow authorities to establish their identities, police said. According to preliminary information, they are citizens of several African countries. They are believed to have arrived in Estonia via Belarus and Latvia. They told police they had planned to continue through Finland to countries in Western Europe.
“Over the past three days, the number of people detained for illegally crossing the border has been significantly higher than usual. In such cases, the police’s primary task is to determine the true origin of these migrants and their intentions within the Schengen area in order to ensure public order and security in Estonia and across the Schengen zone,” said Indrek Aru, head of the Border Guard Bureau at the Põhja Prefecture.
“A significant proportion of those arriving here illegally seek international protection, which requires us to establish their citizenship, their exact origin and any possible need for international protection. We will also make every effort to determine the circumstances of the migrants’ arrival in Estonia and identify those organizing illegal migration,” he added.
Aru said illegal migration through Belarus toward Latvia is organized and is being used as a tool of hybrid pressure. According to him, tighter controls in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia may also have contributed to the increase in attempts to enter Estonia.
“Summer weather also facilitates illegal migration by making travel easier. If you notice unusual groups of foreign nationals in border areas, especially in southern Estonia, who differ from ordinary tourists, or activities suggesting human trafficking, you should report them to the police. Reasonable vigilance will help us respond more quickly and clarify the situation,” he said.
Estonian police said they have adjusted their operational tactics at transport hubs and in border areas in response to growing migration pressure. Estonian law enforcement officers have also assisted their Latvian counterparts, who are directly dealing with the increase in illegal border crossings.
Most of the detainees have already undergone initial procedures, and a significant number have applied for international protection in Estonia. By court order, the foreign nationals have been placed in a detention center. Applications are usually processed within four months, although the period may be extended by an additional two months in some cases.
If their applications for protection are rejected, the foreign nationals will be deported from Estonia.
During the first six months of 2026, Estonian authorities detained 149 people for illegal migration.