Norway is moving forward with plans that could soon prevent single parents over the age of 60 from being entitled to family reunification with their adult children residing in the country.
This development follows a draft proposal submitted for consultation by the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness, aiming to modify the Immigration Act’s rules on family immigration.
The proposed changes reflect a shift in Norway’s immigration policy, emphasizing the need for families to support themselves if they seek family reunification. The Ministry noted that this new direction aligns with practices already in place in several other countries, and would reduce immigration from a demographic group seen as placing additional strain on Norway’s healthcare and elderly care systems.
“The basic principle must be that families can support themselves if they come for family immigration,” a statement from the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness reads. The government argues that the current policy, which grants residence permits to single parents over the age of 60 under a special provision in the Immigration Act, has led to an increased burden on public services.
“Experience shows that more people in this group have to be taken care of by the Norwegian authorities,” the Ministry continued, citing the comprehensive healthcare and social services that these elderly individuals often require. The proposed changes mean that residence permits for this group will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
The Ministry also clarified that while the pathway for family reunification may be restricted, elderly parents will still have the opportunity to apply for a visitor visa of up to 90 days or a shorter residence permit lasting nine months in order to visit their adult children living in Norway.
The consultation period for this proposal will remain open until November 22, 2024, allowing for public feedback and potential amendments.
Tighter Immigration Rules Across the Board
This proposed change comes amid broader efforts by Norwegian authorities to tighten immigration rules. Earlier in June, the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness unveiled plans to introduce stricter regulations for the family reunification of parents and underage siblings of unaccompanied minor children who have been granted asylum in Norway.
The Ministry stressed that the tightening of these rules is essential to safeguard the welfare of unaccompanied minors. “The tightening of the rules for this group of people is important,” the Ministry stated, explaining that the changes aim to halt family reunification in cases where it would not be in the best interest of the child.
Currently, the parents and underage siblings of unaccompanied minors granted asylum in Norway are eligible for residence permits. However, the Directorate of Immigration has noted an increasing number of cases where unaccompanied minors who have been granted asylum do not wish to live with their parents upon their arrival in Norway.
As Norway looks to balance its humanitarian responsibilities with practical concerns around public services and immigration control, these proposals represent a significant step towards tightening the country’s immigration laws.
By fLEXI tEAM
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