Information on the refugee protection or asylum process, including the application and hearing procedure and appeal provisions, was found only in the World Refugee Survey 2003 by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR), which indicated that the procedure is governed by the Aliens Law of 1988 and the Aliens Decree of 1990 (2003). The application process, through which limited legal assistance is provided to asylum seekers, includes an initial screening of the claimant by the police, who then forward the claim to the Directorate for Immigration (UDI) for an interview (USCR 2003). The claimants are then transferred to a reception area or stay with relatives or friends while awaiting the UDI decision, which is made on the merits of the claim (ibid.). Throughout the refugee protection or asylum process, the Norwegian government provides a limited monthly allowance, medical care and work permits for claimants (ibid.).

In respect of negative decisions, the USCR states the following:

Rejected applicants have three weeks after notification to appeal a negative decision. Appeals of claims deemed manifestly unfounded do not suspend deportation orders. In 2001, a Board of Appeals was established as an independent body of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to replace the Justice Ministry to review all UDI decisions.

...

On June 1, 2002, the government removed rejected asylum seekers' entitlement to welfare benefits (ibid.).

Humanitarian residence permits are granted to individuals who do not fall into the category of refugee, but who are "in need of international protection 'on the grounds of strong humanitarian considerations' or ... who have 'strong attachments' to Norway" (ibid.). These permits are valid for one year and can be renewed annually (ibid.). After three years, the UDI grants permanent residence status to applicants (ibid.).

Once refugee status or a humanitarian residence permit is granted, housing and services intended to help the claimant fit into Norwegian society, such as language and vocational training, along with whatever health care and public assistance that is available to Norwegian citizens (ibid.).

Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR). 2003. "Norway." World Refugee Survey2003. http://www.refugees.org/world/countryrpt/europe/2003/norway.cfm [Accessed 2 Dec. 2003]

Additional Sources Consulted

The Norwegian Embassy, in Ottawa, did not respond to a letter requesting information.

Internet sites, including:

AsylumLaw

EuropaWorld

European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI)

Norway, Directorate of Immigration (in Norwegian)

Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (in Norwegian)

Norwegian Refugee Council

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Refugees International

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