Norway reveals plans to deport lawbreaking refugees no longer in need of protection

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - Norway announced plans on Monday to deport lawbreaking refugees who no longer require protection.

Courts in the Scandinavian country have dealt with several such cases related to the "expulsion of refugees who are punished for criminal matters," according to a statement by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, which added that the proposal has already been put forward by the government.

While authorities have yet to set the criteria required to declare a country safe for return, the Grand Board and Civil Ombudsman of the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has been looking into the matter, added the statement.

It said that the "core of the question" was whether officials should look for "significant and stable changes" to a country's security situation after a foreigner was recognized as a refugee, or whether a "current assessment" was enough.

If adopted, the law would only require a regular asylum assessment to determine if deportation should take place for refugees who commit crimes punishable with imprisonment for over two years, added the ministry.

An exemption will be made for those who entered Norway as unaccompanied minors but later went on to commit criminal acts as adults, as they may not get affected by this law.

According to the statement, lawbreaking refugees who are still in need of protection will be allowed to remain in Norway regardless of their criminal actions.

"The ministry is now sending the proposal for general consultation," it said, with lawmakers expected to make a decision by Nov. 28.

Denmark also recently unveiled a proposed bill to ensure that immigrants sentenced to an unconditional prison sentence are deported.