In June, Norwegian authorities revealed plans to impose stricter immigration regulations concerning the family reunification of parents and underage siblings with unaccompanied minor children who have been granted asylum in the country.
The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness emphasized that these changes aim to prioritize the best interests of the child. Under the proposed rules, family reunification will no longer be automatically granted unless it aligns with the well-being of the minor. This is a significant shift from the current policy, which allows parents and siblings of unaccompanied minors with asylum status to obtain residence permits in Norway.
The decision follows numerous reports from the Directorate of Immigration, noting that many unaccompanied minors do not wish to live with their parents upon their arrival in Norway. This has raised concerns that family reunification may not always serve the best interests of these vulnerable children, prompting the government to consider more careful evaluations before allowing their families to join them in the country.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to balance immigration control with child welfare in asylum cases.