Stricter ID documentation
requirements in asylum cases
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has been directed to apply stricter requirements for identification documentation in asylum cases. If an asylum seeker does not do all that is practically possible to document his or her identity, the authorities must deny more permits or give only limited permits.
It is a major problem that so few asylum seekers can legitimise themselves with valid travel documents. Experience shows that over 95% lack such documents when they report to the police.
- In cases where UDI decides to issue a residence permit on humanitarian grounds despite the applicant lacking identity documentation, I have therefore directed that UDI shall more frequently deny permits or issue limited permits that do not give a basis for permanent residence or family reunification”, says Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion (AID) Dag Terje Andersen.
It is important to know the identity of those who are granted residence in Norway. Although in many cases there are understandable grounds for asylum seekers’ lack of identity documents, for the sake of control authorities must tighten up the practice with respect to those who do have an opportunity to get hold of such documentation.
There can be many reasons for an asylum seeker not having identity papers. Those who flee out of concern for their safety will often not be able to have such documents issued by the authorities in their home country. In some cases it may be that the asylum seeker’s home country does not have functioning authorities to issue such documents. Some asylum seekers get rid of their identification documents because they want to hide who they are after having given false asylum histories, for example, or because they have left their home country in order to avoid punishment for criminal activities.
- We must ensure that cheating is not rewarded, says Minister Andersen.
The directive will take effect as of 15 June 2009.
Published: 09.06.2009
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