Norway to Tighten Immigration Rules for Parents and Underaged Siblings of Unaccompanied Minors Granted Asylum. The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has submitted a proposal to tighten certain rules of the Immigration Act concerning family immigration.
The Ministry emphasizes that these changes are crucial, as they will prevent family reunification with unaccompanied minor children in Norway if it is not in the best interest of the child who has been granted asylum. Under the current rules, parents and underage siblings of unaccompanied minor children with asylum status in Norway can obtain a residence permit. However, the Directorate of Immigration has documented several cases where unaccompanied minors granted asylum do not wish to live with their parents upon their arrival in Norway.
This behavior can be attributed to fears of abuse, social control, forced marriage, or other mistreatment from their family members. Additionally, the proposed changes to the law would prevent children who have established their own families in Norway from bringing their parents to the country. It is also proposed that children granted asylum in Norway can reunite with their underage siblings only if they have consent from both parents.
As part of these measures, Norway aims to prohibit parents from reuniting with their unaccompanied minor children in Norway if the parents have two spouses in the country at the time of reunification. By proposing these stricter rules, the Norwegian authorities aim to ensure the safety of children and prevent the practice of bigamy within the country.