Norway sees doubling of asylum seekers

The number of asylum seekers looking for refuge in Norway has significantly increased this year. More than 15,000 refugees are expected to apply to live and work in the country in 2008. This figure is up from 6,500 applicants in 2007, making Norway one of Europe’s fastest-growing asylum destinations.

This dramatic rise is asylum seekers is putting strains on Norway, reports the nation’s immigration directorate (UDI). Iraqi nationals are highest in the statistics, hoping to escape the extreme dangers of their homeland.

“There is a perception among asylum seekers and ‘smugglers’ that Norway is a more attractive destination than many other European countries,” states UDI deputy director general Frode Forfang. “We are coping, but it’s a growing challenge.”

In the first six months of 2008, 1,114 Iraqis have sought asylum in Norway, up from 435 in 2007. They are the largest ethnic group, followed by refugees from Eritrea, Russia, Serbia, Somalia, Palestine and Afghanistan.

Forfang believes most asylum seekers pay human smugglers to help with the logistics and paperwork of applying in Norway. The UDI states that about 60 per cent of applications which have been correctly filed are rejected. However Norway usually grants asylum to anyone facing real danger in their own homeland.

Immigrants are attracted to Norway’s welfare system and the chance that they can integrate peacefully into society. In recent years, however, Norway has tightened it rules on immigration.

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