The Finnish government will extend the closure of crossing stations on its border with Russia until April 14, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

Finland closed its eastern border with Russia late last year amidst a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia.

"There are at least hundreds but probably thousands of migrants near the Russian side of the border waiting for an opportunity to continue their journey to Finland," Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in a statement.

Altogether 1,323 asylum seekers came to Finland from Russia between August and December last year, according to the Finnish border authority.

(With input from Reuters)