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United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - State Party Reports |
DRAFT BILL ON THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS INTO THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY AND THEIR STAY IN THE REALM (IMMIGRATION ACT)
The Act on the Entry of Foreign Nationals into the Kingdom of Norway and their stay in the realm (the Immigration Act) shall read as follows:
Chapter 1 General provisions
Section 1 Purpose of the Act
The Act shall provide the basis for regulating and controlling the entry and exit of foreign nationals and their stay in the realm, in accordance with Norwegian immigration policy and international obligations.
The Act shall facilitate lawful movement across national borders, and ensure legal protection for foreign nationals who are entering or leaving the realm, who are staying in the realm, or who are applying for a permit pursuant to the Act.
The Act shall provide the basis for protecting foreign nationals who are entitled to protection under general international law or international agreements by which Norway is bound.
Section 2 Scope of the Act
The Act concerns the entry of foreign nationals into the kingdom and their stay in the realm. Obligations pursuant to the Act may also be imposed on Norwegian nationals and legal entities.
Section 3 Relationship of the Act to international provisions
The Act shall be applied in accordance with international provisions by which Norway is bound when these are intended to strengthen the position of the individual.
Section 4 Legal status of foreign nationals
Unless otherwise provided by legislation currently in force, foreign nationals shall have the same rights and obligations as Norwegian nationals during their lawful stay in the realm.
Section 5 Further details of whom the Act applies to
For the purposes of this Act, a foreign national means any person who is not a Norwegian national.
Nordic nationals are exempt from the requirement of a residence permit in order to take up residence or employment in the realm. The King may by regulations make further exemptions.
In the case of foreign nationals attached to diplomatic or paid consular missions in the realm, their spouses or cohabitants and dependent children, the King will decide which of the provisions of the Act shall apply. The King may make special regulations for this group. The same applies to employees of intergovernmental organisations, persons working under contract for intergovernmental organisations or treaty bodies and personal staff of foreign representatives.
In the case of foreign nationals who shall be staying in the realm in connection with the implementation of an agreement on intergovernmental cooperation by which Norway is bound, the provisions regarding control of entry, travel documents, visas and residence permits shall apply, subject to the exemptions that follow from the agreement.
Section 6 Territorial extent of the Act
The Act shall apply to the kingdom, including devices and installations that are used on or connected with the Norwegian part of the Continental Shelf.
The King may by regulations depart from the provisions of the Act regarding such devices and installations as are mentioned in the first paragraph, and may make regulations regarding passport and border checks in connection with travel between them and Norwegian land territory.
The Act shall also apply to Jan Mayen. The King may make regulations regarding the entry of foreign nationals to Jan Mayen which depart from the provisions of the Act.
The Act shall not apply to Svalbard. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of control of travellers who come from or travel to Svalbard.
The Act shall not apply to Norwegian ships in foreign trade. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of when the Act or provisions laid down pursuant to the Act shall apply to Norwegian ships in foreign trade that call at Norwegian ports.
Section 7 Special provisions out of regard for fundamental national interests and foreign policy considerations
When foreign policy considerations or fundamental national interests make it necessary, entry may be refused, and applications for a temporary or permanent residence permit may be rejected, or limitations or conditions may be set. Decisions shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration.
In cases concerning protection pursuant to Chapters 4 and 9, the provisions of the said chapters shall take precedence over the provisions of the first paragraph of this section.
Out of regard for such considerations as are mentioned in the first paragraph, a foreign national may be granted a residence permit in Norway. Decisions shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the practical application of the first and third paragraphs. The King may by regulations also make further provision in respect of the exchange of information between public bodies in cases that involve fundamental national interests or foreign policy considerations.
In wartime or when there is a threat of war, or otherwise under particular circumstances, the King may out of regard for fundamental national interests make further provisions regarding the duty of notification in addition to those laid down in section 19 and regulations made pursuant to section 20.
Chapter 2 Visa, entry and exit control and rejection, etc.
Section 8 Travel document
Unless otherwise provided, a foreign national who comes to the realm must have a passport or other identity document that has been approved as a travel document.
The Ministry shall lay down the requirements for accepting passports or other identity documents as being valid for entry into and stay in the realm.
The Directorate of Immigration may in particular cases exempt a foreign national from the passport requirement or accept a document other than that which follows from the general provisions.
Section 9 Visa requirement and visa-free entry
Foreign nationals must hold a Norwegian visa to be able to enter the realm, unless the King has by regulations granted exemption from this requirement. A foreign national who is at the Norwegian border and who is seeking protection (asylum) under the provisions of Chapter 4, or who otherwise provides information that indicates that the protection against refoulement pursuant to section 73 will be applicable, shall nevertheless have the right to enter the realm without a visa.
Foreign nationals holding a residence permit issued by a country that participates in cooperation under the Schengen Agreement (a Schengen country), as defined by regulations, and who have a valid travel document, shall be exempt from the visa requirement.
A visa issued by a Schengen country entitles the holder to enter into and stay in the realm during the period of validity of the visa, where such right is stated in the visa.
The total period of stay in the Schengen territory for a foreign national who is exempt from the visa requirement under the first or second paragraphs, or who is entitled to enter and stay pursuant to the third paragraph, may not exceed three months in the course of a six-month period.
The King may by regulations make further provision, including in respect of who is exempt from the visa requirement pursuant to the second paragraph and in respect of the calculation of time in the fourth paragraph.
Section 10 Schengen visa
An applicant shall be entitled to a visa for a visit not exceeding three months in any six-month period when the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) the foreign national is in possession of a valid travel document or documents that permit him or her to cross the border,
(b) the foreign national can produce documents justifying the intended purpose of the stay and has sufficient means of subsistence, both for the period of the stay and for the return to his or her country of origin or transit to a third country into which the foreign national is certain to be admitted, or is in a position to acquire such means lawfully,
(c) the foreign national has not been registered in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purposes of refusing him or her entry,
(d) the foreign national is not considered to be a threat to public policy, national security, public health or the international relations of Norway or any other Schengen country, particularly if no notification has been entered in the member states’ national data registers for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.
The visa issuance criteria that follow from the Schengen Agreement must otherwise be satisfied. The King may by regulations make supplementary provision, including in respect of the requirements regarding travel and health insurance that follow from the Schengen Agreement.
Exceptions may be made from the right to a visa pursuant to the first paragraph if foreign policy considerations, fundamental national interests or considerations of immigration regulation argue against granting a visa, or if there are circumstances that would have given grounds to refuse the foreign national the right to enter into or stay in the realm in pursuance of other provisions of the Act.
When weighing considerations under the second paragraph, particular emphasis shall be placed on children’s need for contact with their parents.
A visa may be refused if it is likely that the applicant or the latter’s child from a previous relationship will be mistreated or grossly abused.
A visa may be granted for one or several entries. The provision of section 9, fourth paragraph, shall apply correspondingly.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision in respect of the conditions for granting a visa pursuant to the first paragraph and regarding the duration and content of such a visa. The King may also by regulations make provision in respect of transit visas and airport transit visas, and regarding visas for family members of foreign nationals who are subject to the EEA Agreement or the EFTA Convention.
Section 11 Visa on humanitarian grounds, etc.
When it is necessary for humanitarian reasons, national considerations or international obligations, a visa may be issued for a period not exceeding three months even if the conditions laid down in section 10 are not satisfied. The provision of section 9, fourth paragraph, shall apply correspondingly.
A visa issued pursuant to this section shall only be valid for entry into and stay in Norway during the period of time specified.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 12 Entry visa
A foreign national who is granted a residence permit or who intends to stay in the realm until a residence permit is granted may be granted a visa for entry pursuant to further provisions laid down by the King in regulations.
Section 13 Power of decision and issue of visas
Applications for visas shall be decided by the Directorate of Immigration. The power to make decisions on visa applications under sections 10 and 12 may also be conferred on the foreign service and the Governor of Svalbard. The power to grant applications for visas under section 10 may also be conferred on the foreign service of another Schengen country. The King may by regulations make further provision.
The King will by regulations make further provision in respect of a new entry and the extension of the visa’s period of validity and in respect of the power of decision in such cases.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the issue of visas, including the issue of a visa at the border (emergency visa), application procedures and the processing of applications.
Section 14 Border-crossing and border control
Unless otherwise provided, entry and exit shall take place at border crossings determined by the Ministry. An internal Schengen border may be crossed anywhere provided that no temporary border control has been introduced. Such border control may only be introduced if there is a serious threat to public policy or national security. Customs legislation shall apply when an internal Schengen border is crossed. The King may by regulations make further provision.
Anyone coming to the realm shall immediately report to the border control authorities or the nearest police authority. Anyone leaving the realm is subject to exit control and shall upon exiting report to the border control authorities or the nearest police authority. The obligation to report pursuant to this paragraph shall not apply when crossing an internal Schengen border, provided that no temporary border control such as mentioned in the first paragraph has been introduced. The Ministry may grant exemption from the obligation to report pursuant to this paragraph.
Section 15 Implementation of border control
Entry and exit control shall be carried out at an external Schengen border, provided that no temporary border control has been introduced at an internal Schengen border as mentioned in section 14, first paragraph.
In connection with entry and exit control, a check is made to ensure that every person has a passport or other identity document that has been approved as a travel document, and that persons subject to a visa requirement have a valid visa. If the person checked refuses to state his or her identity, or if there is reason to suspect that the stated identity is false, or that the person is concealing an identity document, a body search may be carried out with a view to procuring the identity document. It shall also be ensured that there are no other grounds for rejection, see section 17.
In connection with entry and exit control, other types of identity checks, including iris scans, fingerprint checks and facial recognition checks may be carried out.
In connection with entry and exit control, the police may inspect vehicles, vessels and aircraft to ascertain whether there are any persons there who are attempting to avoid being checked.
The King may by regulations
(a) make further provision in respect of entry and exit control,
(b) make further provision in respect of the police’s authority to demand the passport and other travel or identity documents of a foreign national before entry, and to make copies of such documents, and
(c) order the master of a ship or an aircraft, or a carrier engaged in the commercial land transport of persons, to check that travellers have a valid travel or identity document and visa, and impose a duty to make a copy of these documents.
Section 16 Permission to leave a post on board a ship. Shore leave. Stowaways
A foreign national who leaves his post on board a ship or an aircraft must not go ashore in the realm without the permission of the police. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of seamen who leave a post on board on a ship, and their right to go ashore in the realm, as well as in respect of administrative procedure and the right of appeal in such cases.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of seamen’s shore leave during a stay on board a ship in a Norwegian port and regarding the power to refuse shore leave. The King may also make provision in respect of administrative procedure and the right of appeal in such cases.
A foreign national who is a stowaway on board a ship or an aircraft must not go ashore in the realm without the permission of the police. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the conditions on which stowaways shall be granted entry to the realm, as well as in respect of administrative procedure and the right of appeal in such cases.
Section 17 Rejection
A foreign national may be rejected:
(a) when the foreign national fails to produce a valid passport or another approved travel document when this is necessary,
(b) when the foreign national fails to produce a visa when this is necessary,
(c) when the foreign national has been registered in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purposes of refusing entry,
(d) when the foreign national lacks necessary permission pursuant to the Act,
(e) when the foreign national cannot show evidence of the stated purpose of the stay,
(f) when the foreign national cannot show evidence of having or being ensured sufficient means for his or her stay in the realm or in another Schengen country and for the return journey,
(g) when the foreign national has been sentenced to a penalty or special sanction as mentioned in section 66, first paragraph (b), has less than two years previously served or been sentenced to a penalty or special sanction for an offence as mentioned in section 66, first paragraph (c), or, where other circumstances give reason to fear that the foreign national has, here in the realm or in another Schengen country, committed or will commit a criminal act punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding three months,
(h) when the foreign national has outside Norway been sentenced to a penalty or special sanction for an offence that under Norwegian law is punishable by imprisonment for a term of ten years or more,
(i) when an authority in a Schengen country has made a final decision to reject or expel the foreign national because there is particular reason to assume that he or she has committed serious criminal acts, or because there are real indications that he or she is planning to commit such acts on the territory of a Schengen country,
(j) when competent health personnel find that the foreign national is manifestly suffering from a serious mental disorder,
(k) when the foreign national has not paid expenses incurred by the public authorities in connection with the foreign national having previously been removed from the realm or having failed to pay a fine, or
(l) when it is necessary out of consideration for the national security, public health, public policy or international relations of Norway or another Schengen country.
A foreign national who was born in the realm, and who subsequently has continuously had a fixed abode here, may not be rejected. The same applies to foreign nationals who hold a temporary or permanent residence permit, and Nordic nationals who are resident in the realm.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of exemption from the provisions of the first paragraph for holders of a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country.
Section 18 Power of decision in cases regarding rejection
Decisions regarding rejection at the time of entry or within seven days after entry shall be made by the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police, unless otherwise provided by the second paragraph. The seven-day time limit shall be deemed to have been complied with if administrative proceedings for rejection are instituted within seven days. Decisions regarding rejection in connection with border control pursuant to section 17, first paragraph (a) – (c) may be made by a police officer.
Decisions regarding rejection shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration if
(a) the foreign national claims to be a refugee, see section 28, or otherwise provides information indicating that the foreign national is protected against refoulement pursuant to section 73,
(b) the decision is made more than seven days after entry,
(c) the decision concerns rejection pursuant to section 17, first paragraph (h) and (l).
The King may by regulations authorise the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police to make decisions regarding rejection even later than seven days after entry.
Section 19 Foreign nationals’ obligation to notify the authorities
A foreign national who has been granted a residence permit prior to entry shall, not later than one week after entry, report to the police at the place where he or she is staying.
Foreign nationals who change their place of abode while a case regarding a residence permit is being processed shall notify the police accordingly. When a foreign national’s application for a residence permit has been rejected, the same shall apply until the foreign national has left the realm.
The King may by regulations make provision to the effect that a foreign national who does not need a residence permit or who has a permanent residence permit shall notify the police of his place of abode in the realm and notify the relevant authorities of his work or occupation.
Section 20 Obligation in other cases to notify the authorities
The King may by regulations make provision to the effect that:
(a) the master of an aircraft arriving from, or departing for, another country shall give the police a list of passengers and crew members,
(b) the master of a ship that crosses the border on its way to or from a Norwegian port shall give the police a list of passengers and crew members,
(c) any person who runs a hotel, boarding house, lodging house, campsite and the like shall keep a list of all persons who spend the night there and notify the police of them, and that other persons may also be ordered to notify the police when a foreign national spends the night on their premises if this is warranted in the interest of security or emergency preparedness,
(d) any person who takes a foreign national into his service or gives a foreign national paid employment shall notify the police of this before the work commences,
(e) any person who runs an employment agency shall notify the police of those foreign nationals who seek or are given employment,
(f) the population registry shall notify the police of foreign nationals which it registers and deregisters,
(g) educational institutions shall upon request give the police a list of foreign pupils or students.
The King may by regulation make further provision in respect of the information the lists shall contain and how the information shall be communicated.
The person who is the subject of notification has an obligation to provide such information as is necessary to enable the obligation of notification to be fulfilled.
Section 21 General immigration control
In connection with enforcement of the provisions regarding foreign nationals’ entry into and stay in the realm, the police may stop a person and request proof of identity when there is reason to assume that the person in question is a foreign national and the time, place and situation give grounds for such a check. In connection with such checks, the foreign national must show proof of identity and if necessary provide information in order to clarify his or her identity and the lawfulness of his or her stay in the realm. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of implementation of the check, including the power to make a copy of documents.
In the event of planned actions, the decision to carry out a check pursuant to the first paragraph shall be made by the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police. Otherwise the decision shall be made by a police officer.
Section 22 Control authority
The police shall be responsible for border control.
The Customs and Excise Service shall assist the police in controlling the entry and exit of foreign nationals in pursuance of this Act. When carrying out such control, the customs authorities shall have the same rights and duties as the police have pursuant to section 15.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the customs authorities’ immigration control and in respect of other authorities’ right to carry out immigration control.
Chapter 3 Stay in connection with employment and studies etc. in the case of foreign nationals who are not subject to the EEA Agreement or the EFTA Convention
Section 23 Residence permit for employees intending to work for an employer in the realm
Pursuant to further provisions laid down by the King in regulations, a residence permit may be granted to perform work for an employer in the realm when the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The applicant is 18 years of age or older.
(b) Pay and working conditions are not inferior to those prescribed by the current collective agreement or pay scale for the industry concerned.
If no such collective agreement or pay scale exists, pay and working conditions shall not be inferior to what is normal for the place and occupation concerned.
(c) The applicant is subject to a quota fixed by the Ministry or the position cannot be filled by domestic labour or labour from the EEA or EFTA area. Exemptions apply if, under international agreements by which Norway is bound, the foreign national is entitled to a residence permit in order to perform the work.
(d) There is a specific offer of employment. The employment offer shall as a rule concern full-time employment for a single employer, but exemptions may be granted after a case-by-case assessment of the nature of the position.
The King may by regulations determine that assurance may be given in advance that residence permits will be granted for the performance of work in specific branches of industry that require extra manpower for limited periods of time.
The King may by regulations determine that an employer in the realm may apply for permission to hire a certain number of foreign employees to work for a limited period of time (group permit). Foreign nationals who are covered by such a permit shall be given individual residence permits after their arrival in the realm.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision, including in respect of the content of the residence permit, the right to a permanent residence permit, the situation in the event of unemployment, revocation of the residence permit and exemption from the requirement of a residence permit.
Section 24 Residence permit in order to perform services as a seconded employee or independent contractor
Pursuant to further provisions laid down by the King in regulations, a residence permit may be granted for the performance of services when the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The applicant is 18 years of age or older.
(b) Pay and working conditions are not inferior to those prescribed by the current collective agreement or pay scale for the industry concerned. If no such collective agreement or pay scale exists, pay and working conditions shall not be inferior to what is normal for the place and occupation concerned.
(c) No domestic labour or labour from the EEA or EFTA area can be obtained to perform the task. An exemption may be granted if, under international agreements by which Norway is bound, the foreign national shall be entitled to a residence permit in order to perform the work. The King may by regulations determine that foreign nationals who have specialist training or special qualifications shall be able to receive a residence permit without a case-by-case assessment of whether domestic labour or labour from the EEA or EFTA area can be obtained.
(d) There is a specific offer of employment. The offer shall as a rule apply to one employer, unless particular grounds dictate otherwise.
The King may by regulations determine that an employer may apply for permission to hire a specified number of foreign service providers to work for a limited period of time (group permit). After their arrival in the realm, foreign nationals covered by such a permit shall be given individual residence permits.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision, including in respect of the content of the residence permit, revocation of the residence permit and exemption from the requirement of a residence permit.
The permit shall not provide the basis for a permanent residence permit.
Section 25 Residence permit in order to engage in independent business activity
A foreign national who is 18 years of age or older, and who intends to carry on long-term independent business activity in Norway, may be granted a residence permit if evidence is shown that there is an economic basis for the activity.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision, including in respect of the conditions for a residence permit pursuant to the first paragraph, the content of the residence permit, the right to a permanent residence permit and revocation of the residence permit.
Section 26 Residence permit for studies and for scientific, religious or cultural purposes et al.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of when a residence permit may be granted for reasons other than those which follow from the various provisions of the Act, provided that it does not affect the main principles of immigration regulation. The King may accordingly make provisions regarding
(a) residence permits for the promotion of scientific, religious or cultural cooperation and development in cases which by their nature do not fall within the scope of the provisions of sections 23, 24 and 25, and
(b) residence permits for the purpose of obtaining an education and the like.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision, including in respect of the content of the residence permit, the right to a permanent residence permit and revocation of the residence permit.
Section 27 Supervision of compliance with conditions for permits and measures in the event of breaches of such conditions
The Norwegian Directorate of Labour Inspection shall supervise that businesses comply with the conditions for a residence permit with regard to pay and working conditions and the scope of the position. The Directorate of Labour Inspection shall also supervise that the conditions for a residence permit for employees as mentioned in Chapter 13 are complied with. Anyone who is subject to supervision pursuant to this provision shall, when so required by the Directorate of Labour Inspection and notwithstanding any duty of confidentiality, submit information considered to be necessary for the exercise of supervision. Such information may also be required from other public supervisory authorities notwithstanding the duty of confidentiality that otherwise applies.
The Directorate of Labour Inspection shall make the orders and decisions that otherwise are necessary for the exercise of supervision pursuant to the first paragraph. Section 18-6, first, second, sixth, seventh and eighth paragraphs, and sections 18-7 and 18-8 of the Working Environment Act shall apply correspondingly in relation to supervision pursuant to this Act. Employers shall also be informed of orders and other individual decisions.
If it is suspected that the conditions have been breached or that the foreign national does not have the necessary residence permit, the Directorate of Labour Inspection shall notify the immigration authorities.
The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway has corresponding responsibility for exercising supervision within its sphere of authority and authority as mentioned in the first, second and third paragraphs.
If an employer in respect of his foreign employees grossly or repeatedly breaches provisions laid down in or pursuant to this Act which are intended to protect the employees’ pay or working conditions, the Directorate of Immigration may decide that no residence permit shall be granted for the performance of work for the employer concerned. Decisions pursuant to this provision shall apply for two years. The King may by regulations make further provision, including determining that decisions pursuant to this provision shall apply for less than two years.
Decisions pursuant to the fifth paragraph shall not affect the right to a residence permit under chapter 13.
Chapter 4 Protection
Section 28 Residence permit for foreign nationals in need of protection (asylum)
A foreign national who is in the realm or at the Norwegian border shall, upon application, be recognised as a refugee if the foreign national
(a) has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or for reasons of political opinion, and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of his or her country of origin, see Article 1 A of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951 and the Protocol of 31 January 1967, or
(b) without falling within the scope of (a) nevertheless faces a real risk of being subjected to a death penalty, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment upon return to his or her country of origin.
A foreign national who is recognised as a refugee pursuant to the first paragraph shall be entitled to a residence permit (asylum).
Where an assessment is made pursuant to the first paragraph, account shall be taken of whether the applicant is a child.
The applicant shall as a rule also be recognised as a refugee pursuant to the first paragraph when his or her need for protection has arisen since the applicant left his or her country of origin, and is a result of the applicant’s own acts. When assessing whether an exemption shall be made from the main rule, particular importance shall be attached to whether the need for protection is due to acts that are punishable under Norwegian law, or whether it seems most likely that the main purpose of the acts was to obtain a residence permit.
The right to be recognised as a refugee pursuant to the first paragraph shall not apply if the foreign national may obtain effective protection in other parts of his or her country of origin than the area from which the applicant has fled, and it is not unreasonable to direct the applicant to seek protection in those parts of his or her country of origin.
Subject to the exemptions laid down in regulations made by the King, the spouse or cohabitant of a foreign national who is granted a residence permit as a refugee pursuant to the second paragraph, and the refugee’s children under the age of 18 who have no spouse or cohabitant, shall also be entitled to a residence permit as refugees.
When a foreign national’s application for a residence permit pursuant to this provision has been rejected, the decision-making authority shall on its own initiative consider whether the provisions of section 38 shall be applied.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the application of this section and sections 29 and 30.
Section 29 Further details concerning persecution pursuant to section 28, first paragraph (a)
For acts to be deemed to constitute persecution within the meaning of section 28, first paragraph (a), they must either
(a) individually or on account of repetition constitute a severe violation of basic human rights, in particular the rights from which derogation cannot be made under Article 15 (2) of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950, or
(b) be an accumulation of various measures, including violations of human rights, which is sufficiently severe as to affect an individual in a manner that is comparable to the situation described in (a).
Persecution can, inter alia, take the form of:
(a) physical or mental violence, including sexual violence,
(b) legislation and administrative, police and judicial measures, whether they are in themselves discriminatory or are implemented in a discriminatory manner,
(c) prosecution or punishment which is disproportionate or discriminatory,
(d) denial of judicial redress resulting in a disproportionate or discriminatory punishment,
(e) prosecution or punishment for refusal to perform military service in a conflict where performing such service would include crimes or acts as mentioned in section 31, first paragraph, or
(f) acts of a gender-specific or child-specific nature.
Actors of persecution include:
(a) the State,
(b) organisations or groups controlling the State or such a substantial part of the territory of the State that the foreign national cannot be directed to seek protection in other parts of the country, see section 28, fifth paragraph, or
(c) non-State actors, if the actors mentioned in (a) and (b), including international organisations, are unable or unwilling to take reasonable measures to prevent persecution, inter alia by means of an effective system for the detection, prosecution and punishment of acts that constitute persecution.
Section 30 Further details concerning reasons for persecution pursuant to section 28, first paragraph (a)
In the application of section 28, first paragraph (a), the following shall be taken into account when assessing the reasons for persecution:
(a) the concept of race shall in particular include considerations of colour, descent, or membership of a particular ethnic group,
(b) the concept of religion shall in particular include
- religious beliefs and other types of life philosophies,
- participation in, or abstention from, formal worship in private or in public, either alone or in community with others,
- other acts or expressions of view related to the religion or life philosophy of the person concerned,
- forms of personal or communal conduct mandated by religious or philosophical conviction,
- freedom to change religion or other life philosophy.
(c) the concept of nationality shall not be confined to citizenship or lack thereof but shall also include membership of a group determined by its cultural, ethnic or linguistic identity, its geographical or political origin or its relationship with the population of another State.
(d) A particular social group shall in particular be considered to consist of a group of people who share a characteristic in addition to the risk of being persecuted, and who are perceived as a group by society. The common characteristic may be innate or for other reasons immutable, or otherwise consist of a manner or belief that is so fundamental to identity, conscience or the exercise of human rights that a person cannot be expected to renounce it. Former victims of human trafficking shall be regarded as members of a particular social group.
(e) the concept of political opinion shall in particular be considered to include the holding of opinions regarding the relevant actors of persecution or their policies or methods, regardless of whether the applicant has acted on that opinion.
In the assessment of whether there is a well-founded fear of persecution, it is immaterial whether the applicant actually possesses the characteristics or the political opinion that leads to persecution, provided that such a characteristic or opinion is attributed to the applicant by the actor of persecution.
Section 31 Exclusion from the right to recognition as a refugee pursuant to section 28
A foreign national shall not be entitled to recognition as a refugee pursuant to section 28, first paragraph, if he or she falls within the scope of Article 1D or E of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, or where there are serious reasons for considering that he or she
(a) has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of such crimes,
(b) has committed a serious non-political crime outside Norway’s borders, prior to his or her admission to Norway as a refugee, or
(c) has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Nor shall a foreign national be entitled to recognition as a refugee pursuant to section 28, first paragraph (b), apply if there are grounds for expelling him or her based on fundamental national interests, or the foreign national, having been convicted by final judgment of a particularly serious crime, thereby constitutes a danger to Norwegian society.
Nor shall a foreign national be entitled to recognition as a refugee pursuant to section 28, first paragraph (b) apply if the foreign national left his or her country of origin solely in order to avoid penal sanctions for one or more criminal acts that might have been punishable by imprisonment if the acts had been committed in Norway.
If a foreign national who falls within the scope of the first paragraph (a) or (c) or the second paragraph has already been granted a residence permit as a refugee pursuant to section 28, the residence permit may be revoked.
Section 74 shall apply to foreign nationals who fall within the scope of the first to fourth paragraphs, but who pursuant to section 73, second paragraph, nevertheless are protected against refoulement.
Section 32 International cooperation etc. on examination of applications for residence on grounds of protection
An application for a residence permit pursuant to section 28 may be refused examination on its merits if
(a) the applicant has been granted asylum or another form of protection in another country,
(b) it may be demanded that the applicant be accepted by another country participating in cooperation under the Dublin Agreement, as further laid down by the King by regulations,
(c) it may be demanded that the applicant be accepted by another Nordic state pursuant to the provisions of the Nordic Passport Control Agreement,
(d) the applicant has travelled to the realm after having stayed in a state or an area where the foreign national was not persecuted, and where the foreign national’s application for protection will be examined.
In such cases as are mentioned in the first paragraph (b), (c) and (d), the application for a residence permit pursuant to section 28 shall nonetheless be examined on its merits if the foreign national has a connection with the realm that makes it most logical that Norway examines it. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of when an application that falls within the scope of the first paragraph shall be examined on its merits.
The power to refuse to examine an application on its merits pursuant to the first paragraph shall nevertheless not apply if this is precluded by section 73.
Section 33 Power to suspend examination if there are prospects of the situation in an area improving
Where there are specific circumstances that can justify an expectation of a rapid improvement in the situation in the area from which applicants for a residence permit pursuant to section 28 come, the Ministry may decide that examination of the applications of persons from that area shall be suspended for a period not exceeding six months. On the same conditions, the period during which processing is suspended may be extended for an additional six months.
Section 34 Collective protection in a mass flight situation
If there is a mass flight situation, the King in Council may decide that collective protection may be granted pursuant to this section. The King in Council also decides when the power to grant collective protection shall cease.
Any foreign national who is caught up in a situation of mass flight as mentioned in the first paragraph, and who arrives in the realm or is here when this section becomes applicable, may upon application be granted a temporary residence permit on the basis of a group assessment (collective protection). Such a permit shall not provide the basis for a permanent residence permit. The permit shall apply for one year and may be renewed or extended for a period not exceeding three years from the date on which the foreign national first received a residence permit. A temporary permit may thereafter be granted that may provide the basis for a permanent residence permit. After one year with such a permit, a permanent residence permit shall be granted provided the conditions for holding the permit are still present and all other conditions are satisfied, see section 62.
An application for protection pursuant to section 28 from a foreign national as mentioned in the second paragraph may be suspended for a period not exceeding three years from the date on which the foreign national received a permit for the first time. When the power to grant collective protection has ceased, or a period of three years has elapsed since the applicant received a permit for the first time, the foreign national shall be informed that the application for asylum will only be examined if the foreign national expressly makes known a desire for this within a prescribed time limit.
Decisions pursuant to the second and third paragraphs shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration. The Directorate may give the police the authority to grant residence permits and to suspend applications as mentioned.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 35 Resettlement of refugees at the request of international organisations, etc. (resettlement refugees)
At the request of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, other international organisations or other bodies as determined by the King in regulations, the Directorate of Immigration may, within the limits and in accordance with the guidelines that are laid down by higher authority, make decisions to the effect that a foreign national shall be granted an entry permit. The King may by regulations give the power of decision to another body.
The Ministry may, independently of the limitation laid down in section 76, second paragraph, give instructions that an entry permit shall be granted in individual cases pursuant to this provision.
A foreign national who has received an entry permit pursuant to the first paragraph shall hold a residence permit granted pursuant to this section until the Directorate of Immigration has decided whether the foreign national shall receive a residence permit as a refugee pursuant to section 28 or a residence permit pursuant to section 38. In the assessment of a case pursuant to sections 28 and 38 after entry, due weight shall be given to whether the foreign national had reason to anticipate being regarded as a refugee pursuant to section 28.
Chapters IV and V of the Public Administration Act concerning preparatory proceedings and decisions shall apply only to decisions made after entry. Chapter VI of the Public Administration Act concerning appeal and reversal shall apply in cases where a decision regarding a residence permit has been made pursuant to sections 28 or 38.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the application of this section.
Section 36 Effect of determination of refugee status in a foreign state
A foreign national who has been granted asylum or a refugee travel document by a foreign state shall be regarded as a refugee with fixed abode in that state. If such a refugee applies for asylum or a travel document in Norway, the previous determination of refugee status shall not be overruled unless it is obviously wrong or there are other particular reasons for doing so.
Section 37 Cessation and revocation of a residence permit pursuant to sections 28 or 34
Besides revocation pursuant to section 63, refugee status and a residence permit pursuant to section 28 and 34 may also be revoked if the foreign national:
(a) has voluntarily re-availed himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality,
(b) having lost his or her nationality, has voluntarily re-acquired it,
(c) has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality,
(d) has voluntarily re-established himself or herself in the country which he or she left or outside which he or she remained owing to fear of persecution,
(e) can no longer refuse to avail himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality, because the circumstances in connection with which he or she was recognised as a refugee pursuant to section 28 or received protection pursuant to section 34 are no longer present, or
(f) is not a national of any country, and because the circumstances as a result of which the foreign national was recognised as a refugee pursuant to section 28 or received protection pursuant to section 34 are no longer present, is able to return to the country of former residence.
A residence permit shall not be revoked pursuant to the first paragraph (e) or (f) if the foreign national can invoke compelling grounds in connection with prior persecution for rejecting the protection of the country in which he or she has citizenship rights or for refusing to return to the country of former habitual residence.
Chapter 5 Right of residence on the grounds of strong humanitarian considerations or a particular connection with Norway
Section 38 Residence permit on the grounds of strong humanitarian considerations or a particular connection with Norway
A residence permit may be granted even if the other conditions laid down in the Act are not satisfied provided there are strong humanitarian considerations or the foreign national has a particular connection with the realm.
To determine whether there are strong humanitarian considerations, an overall assessment shall be made of the case. Importance may be attached, inter alia, to whether
(a) the foreign national is an unaccompanied minor who would be without proper care if he or she were returned,
(b) the foreign national needs to stay in the realm due to compelling health circumstances,
(c) there are social or humanitarian circumstances relating to the return situation that give grounds for granting a residence permit,
(d) the foreign national has been a victim of human trafficking.
In cases concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a fundamental consideration. Children may be granted a residence permit pursuant to the first paragraph even if the situation is not so serious that a residence permit would have been granted to an adult.
In the assessment of whether to grant a permit, importance may be attached to considerations relating to immigration control, including
(a) possible consequences for the number of applications based on similar grounds,
(b) social consequences,
(c) the need for control, and
(d) respect for the other provisions of the Act.
When there is doubt regarding the identity of the foreign national, when the need is temporary, or when other particular grounds so dictate, it may be determined that the permit shall not provide the basis for a permanent residence permit. The permit may also be granted for a period of less than one year.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Chapter 6 Family immigration
Section 39 Sponsor
In this Act “sponsor” means the person with whom the applicant wishes to be reunited or to establish family life.
Section 40 Residence permit for spouses
An applicant who is the spouse of a sponsor, see section 39, shall be entitled to a residence permit where the sponsor is:
(a) a Norwegian or Nordic national who is resident or intends to establish residence in the realm,
(b) a foreign national with a permanent permit to reside in the realm,
(c) a foreign national who has or will be granted lawful residence in the realm with a residence permit that can provide the basis for a permanent residence permit, or
(d) a foreign national who holds a residence permit pursuant to the provision of section 34 without the system of collective protection having ended.
It is a condition for being granted a residence permit pursuant to the first paragraph that both parties are over the age of 18.
Unless particular circumstances indicate otherwise, it is a condition that the spouses shall live together.
A residence permit may be refused if it appears most likely that the main purpose of contracting the marriage has been to establish a basis for residence in the realm for the applicant.
An applicant who does not have children from his or her relationship with the sponsor and has not lived together with the sponsor in an established relationship in another country or in Norway may be refused a residence permit if it is most likely that the applicant or his or her children from a previous relationship will be mistreated or grossly abused. The same applies to children from a previous relationship who apply for family reunification with a parent who has been granted a residence permit without having had children with the sponsor or having lived together in an established relationship with the sponsor in another country or in Norway. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the application of this provision.
If the sponsor is granted residence in the realm after having contracted a marriage with two or more persons, only one of the persons whom he or she married may be granted a residence permit. If the sponsor is already married to a person who is resident in the realm, no residence permit may be granted pursuant to this section. If the sponsor has previously been married to another person, and it appears most likely that the former spouses intend to continue their cohabitation, a residence permit may be refused.
Section 41 Residence permit for cohabitants
An applicant who has lived in a permanent and established relationship of cohabitation for at least two years with a sponsor as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph, shall be entitled to a residence permit when the parties intend to continue their cohabitation. The same applies to applicants who have children with such a sponsor, when the parties intend to continue their cohabitation. It is a condition that both parties are over the age of 18, and that neither party is married.
A residence permit may be granted to an applicant who has not lived in a permanent and established relationship of cohabitation with the sponsor for at least two years, if the parties are expecting a child together and intend to continue their cohabitation. It is a condition that both parties are over the age of 18, and that neither party is married.
A residence permit pursuant to the first or second paragraphs may also be granted even if one of the parties is married provided there are permanent impediments to satisfying the condition that neither party may be married.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 42 Residence permit for children
An applicant who is a child under the age of 18, see section 50, and has no spouse or cohabitant, shall be entitled to a residence permit when both parents hold or are granted a residence permit as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph.
An applicant who is a child under the age of 18 and has no spouse or cohabitant shall be entitled to a residence permit when one of his or her parents holds a residence permit as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph, unless the best interests of the child argue against doing so. It is a condition that the sponsor has parental responsibility, alone or shared with the other parent. If parental responsibility is shared, the other parent must have given his or her consent, unless this is impossible to obtain, or particular grounds indicate that a residence permit should be granted in any case. If the sponsor has more than one spouse, a residence permit may only be granted to more than one child if they are full brothers and sisters.
The first and second paragraphs shall apply correspondingly to children under the age of 18 who are adopted pursuant to foreign law, or who will be adopted pursuant to the Act of 28 February 1986 No. 8 on adoption. Consent must have been given by the National Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs before the child arrives in the realm.
An applicant who is a child under the age of 21 and has no spouse or cohabitant, and who is the dependant of a foreign national who is a national of a state that has acceded to the European Social Charter of 18 October 1961 shall be entitled to stay in the realm when both parents hold a residence permit as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph.
Section 43 Family reunification between a child with a residence permit pursuant to sections 28 or 34 and the child’s parents and siblings
Applicants who are parents of a child under the age of 18 who is resident in the realm pursuant to sections 28 or 34 shall be entitled to a residence permit. It is a condition that the applicants shall live with the child. If the applicant is a single mother or father, the parent who had parental responsibility and with whom the child lived permanently in the country of origin shall have priority to reside in Norway.
The same applies to siblings under the age of 18 who have no spouse or cohabitant and who live with their parents or with the parent who is granted a residence permit.
Section 44 Family reunification between a Norwegian child and the child’s mother or father
An applicant who is the mother or father of a Norwegian child under the age of 18 for whom the applicant has parental responsibility and with whom he or she lives permanently shall be entitled to a residence permit in order to live with the child in Norway.
A residence permit may however be refused if this would lead to the applicant being reunited with a spouse living in Norway who is already married to or cohabiting with another person here. The same applies if the applicant and the parent living in Norway are not married at the time of application, but a bigamous relationship has previously existed between the applicant, the parent living in Norway and the latter’s present spouse or cohabitant.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision in respect of the power to refuse a residence permit pursuant to the second paragraph.
Section 45 Residence permit for a mother or a father who is to have right of access to a Norwegian child
An applicant who is the mother or father of a Norwegian child under the age of 18 who lives permanently with the other parent in Norway shall be entitled to a residence permit. It is a condition that the applicant:
(a) has lived with the child or has exercised right of access of a certain extent in the course of the last year outside Norway,
(b) has right of access of a certain extent in the realm, and
(c) renders it probable that right of access will be exercised.
A residence permit may however be refused if this would lead to the applicant being reunited with a spouse living in Norway who is already married to or cohabiting with another person here. The same applies if the applicant and the parent living in Norway are not married at the time of application, but a bigamous relationship has previously existed between the applicant, the parent living in Norway and the latter’s present spouse or cohabitant.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the calculation of time pursuant to the first paragraph (a) and of the requirement regarding the extent of the right of access pursuant to (a) and (b). The King may also by regulations make supplementary provision in respect of the power to refuse to grant a residence permit pursuant to the second paragraph.
Section 46 Residence permit for a single mother or father with a child over the age of 18 in Norway
The mother or father of a sponsor as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph, may be granted a residence permit if the sponsor is the applicant’s child and is over the age of 18. It is a condition that the applicant is over the age of 60 and has no spouse, cohabitant or relatives in direct line of ascent or descent in the country of origin.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 47 Short-term stay to visit children in the realm
A residence permit for a period not exceeding nine months may be granted to parents intending to visit a sponsor as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph (a) to (c), when the sponsor is the applicant’s child and is resident in the realm.
It is a condition that the applicant shall return to his or her country of origin after the visit. Considerations relating to immigration regulation shall be taken into account when assessing whether a permit should be granted.
A residence permit pursuant to this section shall not entitle the holder to take employment and shall not provide the basis for permanent residence.
The permit may not be renewed or extended.
A new permit pursuant to this provision may at the earliest be granted after one year of residence outside the realm.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 48 Residence permit in order to contract a marriage
A residence permit of a duration not exceeding six months may be granted to an applicant who is to contract a marriage after entering Norway with a sponsor as mentioned in section 40, first paragraph. It is a condition that both parties are over the age of 18. The provisions of section 40, third, fifth and sixth paragraphs, shall apply correspondingly. The King may by regulations make further provision.
A residence permit pursuant to this section shall not provide the basis for permanent residence. The permit may not be extended or renewed.
Section 49 Family immigration in other cases
If strong humanitarian considerations so indicate, a residence permit may also be granted to family members other than those mentioned in sections 40 to 53, and exemptions may be granted from conditions related to the status of the sponsor.
In the assessment of whether a residence permit should be granted, importance may be attached to considerations relating to immigration regulation.
In cases affecting children, the best interests of the child shall be a fundamental consideration.
Where particular reasons so indicate, it may be stipulated that the permit may not provide the basis for a permanent residence permit or that the residence permit shall not entitle the holder to take employment.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 50 Child under the age of 18
Where that fact that the applicant is or has a child under the age of 18 is decisive for whether a permit shall be granted pursuant to this chapter, the child shall be deemed to be under the age of 18 if the application with all the information and enclosures that are necessary in order to make a decision on it has reached the immigration authorities before the child’s eighteenth birthday. The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 51 Exception from the right to family immigration
If it would be contrary to the conditions for the sponsor’s residence permit to grant a residence permit to the applicant pursuant to this chapter, a permit may be refused.
A residence permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be refused if the sponsor, when asked, does not consent to the applicant being granted a permit, or if it is likely that the marriage is being contracted against the will of either party.
Section 52 Continuation of a residence permit on the basis of an arrangement giving right of access to a child
An applicant who has parental responsibility for a child under the age of 18 who does not live permanently with the applicant shall be entitled to a new residence permit when this is necessary in order to continue to have access to the child in the realm. It is a condition that:
(a) the applicant has been resident in the realm with a permit for the past year,
(b) the child satisfies the conditions pursuant to section 40, first paragraph, and is resident in the realm together with the other parent with whom the child lives permanently, and
(c) the applicant has right to access of a certain extent and avails himself or herself thereof.
An applicant who has parental responsibility for a child under the age of 18 who lives permanently with the applicant shall be entitled to a new residence permit when this is necessary in order to maintain access between the child and the other parent in the realm. It is a condition that:
(a) the applicant has resided in the realm with a permit in the last year,
(b) the other parent satisfies the conditions pursuant to section 40, first paragraph,
(c) the other parent has right of access of a certain extent and avails himself or herself thereof.
The second paragraph applies correspondingly to the child if the child has lost his or her residence permit because the parent with whom the child lives permanently has lost his previous residence permit. It is a condition that the parent with whom the child lives permanently is also granted a residence permit pursuant to the second paragraph.
If the condition concerning access pursuant to the first and second paragraphs is not satisfied, the applicant may nevertheless be granted a new residence permit if it is rendered probable that the condition will be satisfied in the course of a specified period of time, which may not exceed one year.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the requirement regarding the extent and exercise of the right of access.
Section 53 Continuation of a residence permit on an independent basis
A foreign national who holds a residence permit pursuant to section 40 or section 41 shall upon application be granted a new residence permit on an independent basis if:
(a) cohabitation has ceased on account of the sponsor’s death, unless particular reasons argue against doing so, or
(b) cohabitation has ceased, and there is reason to assume that the foreign national or any children have been abused during the cohabitation relationship.
A new residence permit on an independent basis may upon application also be granted to a foreign national who has a residence permit pursuant to sections 40 or 41, if the foreign national as a result of the breakdown of the marriage or cohabitation will have unreasonable difficulties in his or her country of origin on account of the social or cultural conditions there.
Where legal proceedings are instituted pursuant to section 16, third paragraph, or section 23, third paragraph, of the Act of 4 July 1991 No. 47 on Marriage, a foreign national who thereby loses his basis for residence as a spouse shall upon application be granted a new residence permit on an independent basis unless particular reasons argue against doing so. The permit shall be granted for six months at a time until a legally enforceable decision has been made. If the marriage is declared null and void or is dissolved by divorce, the foreign national shall upon application be granted a new permit on an independent basis, provided that the applicant has not used force or been complicit in the use of force in connection with the contraction of the marriage.
Chapter 7 General provisions concerning work permits
Section 54 Scope of application of the provisions of this chapter
Unless otherwise provided by this Act or regulations pursuant thereto, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all residence permits under this Act except residence permits under section 74 and Chapter 13.
Section 55 Requirement as to work permit in order to take up employment and residence
Any foreign national who intends to take up employment with or without remuneration or who wishes to engage in business activity in the realm must have a work permit giving him or her the right to take up employment or to engage in business activity, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Act.
Any foreign national who intends to take up residence in the realm for more than three months without taking employment must have a residence permit. Residence in another country participating in cooperation under the Schengen Agreement shall be equivalent to residence in Norway. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of calculation of the period of residence.
Section 56 Application for residence permit
A first-time residence permit shall be issued prior to entry into the realm.
The provision of the first paragraph entails no limitation of the right to seek asylum, see section 28, or to invoke protection against refoulement, see section 73.
The immigration authorities may in individual cases make exceptions from the condition of the first paragraph when strong grounds of reasonableness so indicate.
Where a residence permit is applied for under sections 40 or 41, and the marriage has not been contracted or the cohabitation has not been established abroad until after the sponsor, see section 39, has been resident in Norway, a residence permit may not be granted until the sponsor has returned to Norway and has been interviewed by the immigration authorities, unless
(a) the case concerns an application under section 40, and the sponsor was interviewed in connection with the case before the marriage was contracted, or
(b) the applicant is entitled to enter Norway without a visa.
The King may by regulations make exceptions from the first and fourth paragraphs. The King may also make further provisions in regulations regarding the procedure for filing an application for a residence permit and for conducting interviews as mentioned in the fourth paragraph.
If the applicant does not satisfy the conditions for applying from the realm, the application shall be refused on that basis. The same shall apply where the applicant does not satisfy the conditions for entering the realm before a permit is granted.
Section 57 Residence permit during application processing
Where it is likely that the application will be granted, the applicant may upon request be granted a residence permit that runs until the decision is made.
The provision of the first paragraph shall not apply to foreign nationals who apply for a residence permit under Chapter 4.
The provision of section 60, third paragraph (a) to (c), shall apply correspondingly. A residence permit under this paragraph shall not provide the basis for a permanent residence permit.
Chapters IV to VI of the Public Administration Act shall not apply to decisions concerning residence permits under this section.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 58 Requirement as to maintenance and accommodation
A requirement as to maintenance and accommodation must be met in order for a residence permit to be granted under this Act or regulations pursuant thereto.
The requirement as to maintenance and accommodation shall not apply to any person who is entitled to a residence permit under section 28, second paragraph, or who satisfies the conditions for protection against refoulement pursuant to section 73.
The King may by regulations make further rules and exceptions.
Section 59 Requirement as to foreign nationals’ conduct etc
A foreign national who otherwise satisfies the conditions for a residence permit may be refused such permit if there are circumstances that will give reason to refuse the foreign national entry to or residence in Norway under other provisions of this Act.
A residence permit under section 28 may nevertheless not be refused pursuant to this section.
Section 60 Duration and content of residence permits
A first-time residence permit shall be granted as a temporary residence permit for a period not exceeding three years. Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Act, a permit shall be granted for at least one year. The duration of a permit granted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6 shall not exceed the expiry of the sponsor's permit, see section 39. The duration of a permit under the provisions of chapter 3 shall not exceed the length of the employment relationship.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the duration of residence permits under the first paragraph.
Unless otherwise specifically provided in or pursuant to this Act, the following shall apply:
(a) a residence permit shall give the right to reside anywhere in the realm,
(b) a residence permit shall give the right to take employment and to engage in business activity anywhere in the realm,
(c) a residence permit shall give the right to repeated entry to the realm for as long as it is valid, and
(d) a residence permit shall provide the basis for a permanent residence permit, see section 62.
A permit granted to a family member under the provisions of Chapter 6 shall apply subject to the same limitations as those set for the sponsor's permit, see section 39. The King may by regulations make exceptions from the first sentence.
The conditions and limitations set shall be evident from the permit.
Section 61 Renewal of residence permit
A foreign national shall be entitled, upon application, to renew a temporary residence permit provided the basis for the first-time permit is still present. However this shall not apply if it is clear from this Act or regulations pursuant thereto that the residence permit cannot be renewed, or circumstances are present that will give reason to refuse the foreign national entry to or residence in the realm under other provisions of this Act.
Except where there is a basis for cessation or revocation pursuant to sections 37 or 63, a residence permit granted under sections 28 or 34 shall be renewed. A residence permit granted under section 34 may however not be renewed where it has been decided that the power to grant collective protection has ceased, see section 34, first paragraph.
For permits under Chapter 6, there is no requirement that a child shall be below the age of 18 or 21 upon renewal.
For permits under Chapter 3, there is no requirement that the applicant shall be subject to a quota arrangement or that the position cannot be filled with domestic labour or labour from the EEA or EFTA area upon renewal.
A renewed permit shall be granted as a temporary residence permit and in general for one or two years.
A foreign national who applies for renewal of a temporary residence permit may be granted continued residence on the same conditions until a final decision on the application has been made. The foreign national shall be entitled to such residence provided he or she applies for renewal not later than one month before the permit expires. This shall not apply if it is clear from this Act or regulations pursuant thereto that the residence permit cannot be renewed.
A foreign national who applies for a residence permit on a new factual or legal basis may be granted continued residence on the same conditions as the previous permit until a final decision on the application has been made. The foreign national shall be so entitled provided he or she applies for a new permit not later than one month before the expiry of the current permit, and he or she has been lawfully resident pursuant to the previous permit for at least the last nine months. The same shall apply to a foreign national with a permit under section 48 who applies for a residence permit pursuant to section 40.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Section 62 Permanent residence permit
A foreign national who for the last three years has resided in the realm on a temporary residence permit that provides the basis for a permanent residence permit shall be entitled, upon application, to a permanent residence permit provided
(a) the foreign national in the course of the last three years has not stayed outside the realm for more than seven months altogether,
(b) the foreign national continues to satisfy the conditions for a temporary residence permit that provides the basis for a permanent residence permit,
(c) no circumstances are present as mentioned in section 66, and
(d) the foreign national has undergone compulsory Norwegian language training in accordance with the Introduction Act.
Where the applicant is suspected of or charged with an offence as mentioned in section 66, the application for a permanent residence permit shall be suspended. The application may be granted at the earliest once the case has been dropped or a final decision on the question of guilt has been made.
Where circumstances as mentioned in section 66 are present and the foreign national is not expelled, a longer residence period than that mentioned in the first paragraph shall be required in order for a permanent residence permit to be granted. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of calculation of the additional period where circumstances as mentioned in section 66 are present.
A permanent residence permit shall give the right to reside in the realm without a time limit and shall provide extended protection against expulsion, see section 68. The provision of section 60, third paragraph (a) to (c), shall apply correspondingly.
The permit shall cease to apply when the holder has remained outside the realm for a continuous period exceeding two years. Any decision regarding cessation shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration. A foreign national may upon application be given the right to be absent from the realm for a period exceeding two years without the permit ceasing to apply. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the cessation of permanent residence permits.
The King may by regulations make further provision. The King may by regulations provide that a permanent residence permit may be granted in cases other than those mentioned in the first paragraph.
Section 63 Revocation of residence permit
A temporary or permanent residence permit may be revoked if the foreign national has against his or her better judgment given incorrect information or failed to disclose matters of material significance for the decision, or where this otherwise follows from general rules of administrative law.
A temporary or permanent residence permit may also be revoked where a foreign national who is not a national of a Schengen country is to be expelled from such a country based on an assessment which could have led to expulsion out of regard for fundamental national interests, see section 67, first paragraph (e) or section 68, first paragraph (d).
Section 64 Refugee travel document and immigrant’s passport
A foreign national who is granted a residence permit under section 28 shall upon application also be granted a refugee travel document for travel outside Norway provided no special reasons argue against it. If the refugee has travel documents issued by a foreign state, this right applies only where Norway is obliged under an international agreement to issue travel documents for refugees.
A foreign national who holds or is granted a work permit or residence permit in the realm on the basis of an application for asylum, but without having been granted a residence permit as a refugee, shall be granted an immigrant’s passport for travel outside Norway if his or her relationship to the home country’s authorities so warrants, and no special reasons argue against it. An immigrant’s passport may also be issued in other cases in accordance with further provision made by the King.
A passport or other travel documents in the applicant’s possession must be handed in together with the application for a travel document or immigrant’s passport.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of the issuance, area of validity, renewal and seizure of refugee travel documents and immigrant’s passports and the further conditions thereon, and rules on emergency travel documents.
Section 65 Power of decision
Decisions regarding temporary or permanent residence permits, renewal and revocation shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration. The Directorate of Immigration shall also decide questions of protection against refoulement under section 73 and applications for travel documents and immigrant’s passports under section 64.
The King may by regulations provide that the police may decide applications for temporary and permanent residence permits. The King may also by regulations provide that applications for temporary residence permits may be decided by Norwegian foreign service missions.
Chapter 8 Expulsion
Section 66 Expulsion of foreign nationals not holding a residence permit
A foreign national without a residence permit may be expelled:
(a) when the foreign national has grossly or repeatedly breached one or more provisions of this Act, wilfully or through gross negligence has given materially incorrect or manifestly misleading information in a case coming under this Act, or evades the implementation of a decision requiring him or her to leave the realm,
(b) when the foreign national less than five years previously while abroad has served or received a penalty for an offence which under Norwegian law is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding three months. The same shall apply where a special sanction has been imposed as a result of a criminal offence as mentioned,
(c) when the foreign national has while in the realm received a penalty or special sanction for an offence which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding three months, or has on several occasions in the course of the last three years received prison sentences,
(d) when an administrative authority in a Schengen country has made a final decision concerning rejection or expulsion of the foreign national because of the latter’s failure to comply with the country’s provisions on foreign nationals’ entry or residence,
(e) when the foreign national has contravened sections 147(a) or 147(b) of the General Civil Penal Code, or has provided a safe haven for someone whom the foreign national knows has committed such a crime, or
(f) when fundamental national interests make it necessary.
Section 67 Expulsion of foreign nationals holding a temporary residence permit
A foreign national holding a temporary residence permit may be expelled:
(a) where the foreign national less than five years previously while abroad has served or received a penalty for an offence which under Norwegian law is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The same shall apply where a special sanction has been imposed as a result of a criminal offence as mentioned,
(b) where the foreign national less than one year previously while in Norway has served or received a penalty or special sanction for an offence which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year,
(c) where the foreign national has served or received a penalty or special sanction for violation of sections 228, first paragraph; 237; 342, first paragraph (b) or (c); 352(a); 384 or 385 of the General Civil Penal Code,
(d) where the foreign national has contravened sections 147(a) or 147(b) of the General Civil Penal Code, or has provided a safe haven for someone whom the foreign national knows has committed such a crime, or
(e) where fundamental national interests make it necessary.
Where a criminal offence was committed before the foreign national received a temporary residence permit, section 66(b) or (c) shall apply correspondingly.
Section 68 Expulsion of foreign nationals holding a permanent residence permit
A foreign national holding a permanent residence permit may be expelled:
(a) where the foreign national less than five years previously while abroad has served or received a penalty for an offence which under Norwegian law is punishable by imprisonment for a term of or exceeding two years. The same shall apply where a special sanction has been imposed as a result of a criminal offence as mentioned,
(b) where the foreign national less than one year previously while in Norway has served or received a penalty or special sanction for an offence which is punishable by imprisonment for a term of or exceeding two years,
(c) where the foreign national has contravened sections 147(a) or 147(b) of the General Civil Penal Code, or has provided a safe haven for someone whom the foreign national knows has committed such a crime, or
(d) where fundamental national interests make it necessary.
Where a criminal offence was committed before the foreign national received a permanent residence permit, section 67, first paragraph (a) and (b) shall apply correspondingly.
Section 69 Protection against expulsion for Norwegian citizens and foreign nationals who were born in Norway
A Norwegian citizen may not be expelled.
A foreign national who was born in the realm, and who subsequently has continuously had a fixed abode here, may not be expelled.
Section 70 Requirement of proportionality
A foreign national may not be expelled where, in view of the seriousness of the offence and the foreign national’s connection with the realm, expulsion would be a disproportionate measure against the foreign national concerned or the person’s closest family members. In cases concerning children, the child’s best interests shall be a fundamental consideration.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the assessment under the first paragraph.
Section 71 Effect and duration of expulsion
Any valid permit to reside in Norway shall cease to apply where a decision on expulsion is final. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the effect of a decision concerning expulsion for residence permit applications which on the expulsion date have yet to be decided.
Expulsion shall prevent subsequent entry into the realm. Prohibition of entry may be permanent or temporary, but may not be for period of less than two years. Prohibition of entry may upon application be lifted if warranted by new circumstances. If special circumstances obtain, the expelled person may upon application be allowed to enter the country for a brief visit even if prohibition of entry is not lifted, but as a rule not until two years have passed since departure.
Section 72 Power to decide a case of expulsion
Decisions concerning expulsion shall be made by the Directorate of Immigration. Cases concerning expulsion shall be prepared by the police.
The King may by regulations make further provision.
Chapter 9 Absolute protection against refoulement (non-refoulement)
Section 73 Absolute protection against refoulement
A foreign national may not be sent to an area where he or she would be in a situation as mentioned in section 28, first paragraph (a), unless
(a) the foreign national is excluded from protection under section 31, or
(b) the foreign national is on reasonable grounds deemed to be a danger to national security or has received an unappealable judgment for a particularly serious crime and for that reason represents a danger to Norwegian society.
A foreign national may not be sent to an area where he or she would be in a situation as mentioned in section 28, first paragraph (b). The protection pursuant to this provision shall also apply in situations as mentioned in the first paragraph (a) and (b).
The protection pursuant to the first and second paragraphs shall also apply to refoulement to an area where the person concerned would not be secure against subsequent refoulement to such an area as mentioned in section 28, first paragraph.
The protection pursuant to the first to third paragraphs applies in respect of all forms of decision under this Act. Non-refoulement shall not prevent an expulsion order being made under section 66(f), section 67, first paragraph (e) or section 68, first paragraph (d). Such decisions may not be implemented until the basis for protection against refoulement is no longer present.
Section 74 Residence permit for a foreign national whose protection against refoulement under section 73 is his or her sole basis for residence
A foreign national whose protection against refoulement under section 73 is his or her sole basis for residence in the realm may be granted a temporary residence permit until the impediment to his or her return no longer applies. It may also be stipulated that the permit shall not confer the right to take employment. Residence permits under this section shall not confer the right to visit other Schengen countries. The King may by regulations make further provision, including in respect of the duration and renewal of permits under this section.
Chapter 10 Organisation of the immigration authorities
Section 75 Exercise of authority under this Act
The Storting shall approve the main principles of the regulation of immigration.
This Act shall be implemented by the King, Ministry, Immigration Appeals Board, Directorate of Immigration, police and other public authorities. Where it is not explicitly clear from the Act, the King shall by regulations prescribe which tasks and what powers shall rest with the various public authorities under the Act.
Where the chief of police is assigned authority under this Act, the King may by regulations provide that other police service executives shall also have such authority.
Where authority under this Act is assigned to the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police, the person so authorised by the chief of police must be a lawyer.
Section 76 Power of instruction and review of decisions
Decisions under this Act made by the police, foreign service missions or other public administrative agencies may be appealed to the Directorate of Immigration. Decisions under this Act made by the Directorate of Immigration at first instance may be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Board.
The Ministry's general right of instruction shall not confer the right to instruct in relation to decisions in individual cases. Nor may the Ministry instruct the Immigration Appeals Board on law interpretation or exercise of discretion. The Ministry may instruct in relation to prioritisation of cases.
In order to safeguard fundamental national interests or foreign policy considerations, the Ministry may instruct regardless of the constraints of the second paragraph. The Ministry may in such instances instruct in relation to all decisions included in a case. The King in Council of State shall be the appeal instance in cases encompassed by the Ministry’s instructions concerning law interpretation, exercise of discretion or decision of individual cases.
The Ministry may decide that a decision made by the Directorate of Immigration in favour of a foreign national shall be reviewed by the Immigration Appeals Board. The Ministry’s decision shall be made at the latest four months after the Directorate’s decision, be in writing and the reasons for it shall be given. Chapters IV to VI of the Public Administration Act, on preparation of cases, decisions and appeal, shall not apply to such decisions.
Where, in a case under the fourth paragraph, the Immigration Appeals Board concludes that the Directorate of Immigration’s decision is invalid, it shall rescind the decision and return the case to the Directorate of Immigration for renewed consideration in its entirety or in part. Valid decisions may not be rescinded or altered, but the board may give an opinion on fundamental aspects of the case.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of preparation of cases and the Immigration Appeals Board’s competence in matters coming under the fourth paragraph.
Section 77 Immigration Appeals Board
As an independent body the Immigration Appeals Board shall decide the cases assigned to it in section 76, first and fourth paragraphs.
The Immigration Appeals Board shall be headed by a director who meets the requirements placed on judges. The director shall be appointed by the King in Council for a term of six years. The director may be re-appointed for a single period.
The Immigration Appeals Board shall furthermore have Board chairs who must meet the requirements placed on judges. They shall be appointed by the King in Council for a term of eight years. They may not be reappointed.
The Immigration Appeals Board shall have Board members appointed by the King in Council on the recommendation of the Ministry which has the main responsibility for the immigration administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norwegian Association of Lawyers and humanitarian organisations. The members shall be appointed for a four-year term. The members may be reappointed for a single period. The office shall be voluntary. Replacements in the course of a period shall be made by the Ministry on the recommendation of the same authorities. The Ministry may release a Board member from his or her office if the member has failed to comply with the duty of confidentiality, has grossly contravened other obligations pertaining to the office or has himself or herself so requested. The King may by regulations make further provision.
The Board shall conduct its meetings in camera. Anyone participating in the consideration of a case before the Board is subject to a duty of secrecy pursuant to sections 13 to 13(e) of the Public Administration Act. Breaches shall be punishable under section 121 of the General Civil Penal Code.
Section 78 Decision modes etc. at the Immigration Appeals Board
A Board chair and two Board members shall participate in each case; see however the second and third paragraphs. One Board member shall be drawn from among those appointed on the recommendation of the Ministry that has the main responsibility for the immigration administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Association of Lawyers. The other Board member shall be drawn from among those appointed on the recommendation of humanitarian organisations. Each Appeals Board hearing may deal with several cases.
When cases are considered by a Grand Board, three Board chairs and four Board members shall participate. Two of the Board members shall be drawn from among those appointed on the recommendation of the ministry that has the main responsibility for the immigration administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Association of Lawyers. The other Board member shall be drawn from among those appointed on the recommendation of humanitarian organisations. The Board chairs shall participate in, and one of them shall chair, hearings by the Grand Board in accordance with a set arrangement. The Board members and alternate members are appointed by the Ministry for four years. The King may make rules on what cases shall be heard by the Grand Board, and on the authority to decide whether a case referred to the Grand Board for consideration shall be admitted for such consideration.
Cases not involving material questions of doubt may be decided by a single Board chair. In such cases the Immigration Appeals Board may also delegate power of decision to the secretariat. Cases which may be decided by a single Board chair include appeals where the conditions for reversing the decision of the Immigration Appeals Board are manifestly present, and appeals must be deemed to be unfounded. The same shall apply to any request for reversal of a decision made by the Immigration Appeals Board where there is no reason to presume that the board will alter the decision.
The Immigration Appeals Board shall itself decide the decision mode, except with regard to cases considered pursuant to the second paragraph. Cases considered under the first or second paragraph shall be decided by majority decision.
A foreign national may be given the right to appear in person and make a statement in a case considered under the first or second paragraph. Such right shall as a general rule be granted in asylum cases. The foreign national’s legal counsel or other representative of the foreign national may appear together with the foreign national. Other persons may also be given the right to appear and to make a statement.
Chapters IV to VI of the Public Administration Act, on preparation of cases, decision and appeal, shall not apply to decisions on the decision mode and personal appearance.
The King may make provision in respect of the Board’s procedure and on the further processing of cases and choice of decision mode, including what are to be regarded as material questions of doubt under the third paragraph.
Section 79 Lawsuits
In the event of lawsuits against the State concerning the lawfulness of decisions of the Immigration Appeals Board under this Act or concerning compensation resulting from such decisions, the State shall be represented by the Immigration Appeals Board. In the event of lawsuits against the State concerning the lawfulness of decisions of the Directorate of Immigration under this Act or concerning compensation resulting from such decisions, the State shall be represented by the Directorate of Immigration.
Where the Immigration Appeals Board has made a decision under this Act in favour of a foreign national, the Ministry may have the validity of the decision tested by lawsuit. A lawsuit must have been lodged within four months after the decision was made. The lawsuit shall be lodged against the foreign national. There shall be no mediation in the Conciliation Court.
Chapter 11 Rules of procedure
I. General rules of procedure etc.
Section 80 Relationship to the Public Administration Act
The Public Administration Act shall apply unless otherwise provided by this Act.
Section 81 Foreign national’s right to make a statement
In cases under sections 28 and 73, and in cases concerning rejection, expulsion or revocation of a granted permit, the immigration authorities shall ensure that the foreign national is given the opportunity to present his or her views in a language in a language in which he or she can communicate adequately. This shall take place at the earliest opportunity, and under any circumstances before a decision is made in the case. Provision shall be made for foreign nationals with special needs. The King may by regulations make further provision.
The King shall by regulations make provision for children’s right to be heard.
Section 82 Duty to provide guidance
In cases concerning rejection, expulsion and revocation of granted permits, and where a foreign national claims refugee status, the police shall provide guidance on the foreign national’s right to a representative, see section 12 of the Public Administration Act, and on the foreign national’s right to legal aid, see section 92 of the Public Administration Act, and on the foreign national’s right to make contact with his or her country’s representation, a representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and a Norwegian refugee organisation.
Section 83 Duty to appear and to provide information
In connection with a case under this Act the police and the Directorate of Immigration may require the foreign national concerned to appear in person in order to provide information that may be of significance to the decision, see section 93, fourth paragraph.
Upon entry, and until correct identity is registered, foreign nationals are obliged to assist in clarifying their identity to the extent that the immigration authorities so require. The immigration authorities may also subsequently impose such a duty on a foreign national if there is reason to suppose that the registered identity is not the correct identity. A foreign national may not be required to assist in clarifying his or her identity in a manner which comes into conflict with a need for protection.
The King may by regulations prescribe what foreign nationals may be required to do to fulfil the duty under the first and second paragraphs.
Section 84 Exemptions from the duty of confidentiality for public authorities
Public authorities shall upon request give the immigration authorities information on foreign nationals’ name and address for use in cases under this Act, notwithstanding the duty of confidentiality in section 8-8 of the Act of 13 December 1991 No. 81 concerning Social Services etc. and section 6-7 of the Act of 17 July 1992 No. 100 concerning Child Welfare Services.
Public authorities shall upon request give the immigration authorities information on whether the sponsor in a case concerning a residence permit under Chapter 6 of this Act has received financial support under the Social Services Act in the year preceding the provision of the information. The information shall be given notwithstanding the duty of confidentiality in section 8-8 of the Social Services Act.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the content of the duty of confidentiality under this section.
Section 85 Checking conduct in family immigration cases, see section 40, fifth paragraph, and section 48
The police may as part of the preparation of a case as mentioned in section 40, fifth paragraph, or section 48, utilise information on the conduct of the sponsor or the person together with whom the sponsor has been authorised to establish a family when the applicant is the sponsor’s child from a previous relationship.
If the police have conduct information of significance for whether a residence permit shall be refused under section 40, fifth paragraph, a statement on this may be given to the body responsible for deciding the case.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of what conduct information shall be given to the body that is to decide the case, and on the formulation of the police statement in general.
Section 86 Checking conduct in visa cases under section 10, fourth paragraph
Where the Directorate of Immigration or the Immigration Appeals Board finds particular reason to investigate the sponsor's conduct in order to decide whether a visa shall be refused pursuant to section 10, fourth paragraph, a statement may be obtained from the police on factors of significance for assessing the matter.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of what conduct information shall be given to the Directorate of Immigration or the Immigration Appeals Board under the first paragraph, and in respect of the formulation of the police statement in general.
Section 87 DNA testing
Where, in cases under this Act, it is necessary to establish whether a family relationship exists, the applicant and the sponsor may be requested to undergo DNA testing. This shall only apply if the other information in the case fails to provide a basis for establishing the family relationship with reasonable certainty. If the applicant or the sponsor refuses the request for DNA testing without reasonable grounds, the individual concerned shall be made aware that this may be of significance for assessment of the case.
Information and material connected to the test shall be deleted or destroyed as soon as possible after the family relationship is confirmed or disproved.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the implementation of DNA testing.
Section 88 Age examination
Where, in a case concerning asylum or in a case concerning a residence permit for a family member, it is not possible to establish with reasonable certainty whether the foreign national is over or under the age of 18, the foreign national may be requested to allow himself or herself to be examined in order to determine his or her age. The result of the examination shall be assessed in relation to the other information in the case.
If the foreign national refuses to allow himself or herself to be examined, he or she shall be made aware that this may be of significance for the assessment of the case.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the implementation of age examinations.
Section 89 Fees
The King may by regulations provide that a fee shall be charged for processing applications under this Act, except applications for protection under Chapter 4.
Section 90 Implementation of decisions
A decision to reject or expel a foreign national who does not hold a residence permit, or a Nordic citizen who has not resided in the realm for more than three months, may be implemented immediately.
A decision to reject an application for a first-time residence permit, or an application to renew a residence permit submitted after the expiry of the time limit in section 61, sixth paragraph, may be implemented before the decision is final provided the foreign national has been given the opportunity to lodge an appeal. Such decision may be implemented at the earliest 48 hours after notification of the decision reaches the foreign national. If the Directorate of Immigration regards the application as manifestly unfounded, the decision may nonetheless be implemented as soon as the time limit for requesting deferment of implementation has expired, and the Directorate has assessed the request.
A decision to reject an application for renewal of a residence permit or for a permanent residence permit submitted before the expiry of the time limit in section 61, sixth paragraph, may not be implemented until it is final. The same shall apply to a decision to revoke a permit pursuant to section 63 and a decision to expel a foreign national who holds a residence permit, or a Nordic national who has resided in the realm for more than three months. If it is most probable that the foreign national will commit a criminal offence against or persecute another person or in any other way seriously violate another person's peace, the decision may be implemented at an earlier point in time than that following from the first and second sentences.
Where a foreign national claims refugee status or otherwise provides information indicating that protection against refoulement pursuant to section 73 will apply, a decision may only be implemented before it is final provided
(a) the application for residence has been summarily dismissed in pursuance of section 32,
(b) the applicant has previously had an application for asylum rejected in another country, or
(c) the conditions for residence under sections 28 or 73 are manifestly not met.
Where fundamental national interests or foreign policy considerations make it necessary, a decision may be implemented at an earlier point in time than that following from the first and second sentences.
A decision entailing that a foreign national must leave the realm shall be implemented by ordering the foreign national to leave at once or within a specified time limit. Where no other time limit is set, the foreign national shall be obliged to leave the realm within three weeks of receiving notification of the decision. If the order is not complied with, or it is most probable that the foreign national will not leave the realm by the expiry of the time limit, the police may escort the foreign national out. Where warranted on particular grounds, the foreign national may be conducted to a country other than the one from which he or she came. Foreign nationals not in possession of a valid travel document have a duty to obtain such document. Decisions regarding implementation shall not be regarded as individual decisions, see section 2, first paragraph (b), of the Public Administration Act.
Where the Immigration Appeals Board has made a decision entailing that the foreign national must leave the realm, it may instruct the police to defer implementation of the decision. The Directorate of Immigration may instruct the police to defer implementation if such decision has been made by the Directorate. The Immigration Appeals Board may instruct the police to defer implementation of a decision made by the Directorate in the Board’s field of competence where the decision entails that the foreign national must leave the realm. The Ministry may instruct the Directorate of Immigration and the Immigration Appeals Board to defer implementation of a specific type of decision entailing that the foreign national must leave the realm, pending amendments to law or regulations.
Where a foreign national invokes circumstances as mentioned in section 28 at the time of implementation of a decision entailing that the foreign national must leave the realm, and it is not apparent that the circumstances invoked have already been taken into consideration, the police shall refer the question of deferred implementation to the authority that has made the decision.
Section 91 Liability for expenses etc.
A foreign national who pursuant to this Act is conducted out of the realm shall be obliged to pay the expenses of his or her own exit. The foreign national shall also pay expenses relating to guards where such are necessary because there is reason to fear that the foreign national will resist being returned or will behave in a threatening or dangerous manner in connection with exit. The claim shall be enforceable by execution.
Where a guarantee has been provided for expenses under the first paragraph, a claim may be made on the guarantor to pay the expenses. The claim shall be enforceable by execution.
Where a foreign national who has come by ship or aircraft, or who has been brought to the country by a carrier engaged in the commercial land transport of persons, is rejected, the owner or hirer of the means of transport shall be obliged either to take the foreign national on board again, take the foreign national out of the realm by other means, or meet such expenses as may be incurred by the public authorities in conducting the foreign national out of the realm. There is likewise an obligation to take on board and meet the expenses relating to personnel to escort the foreign national out of the realm where the police deem this necessary. The responsibility borne under this paragraph by the owner or hirer of the means of transport shall apply equally to the means of transport’s driver, pilot, master or agent in the realm.
The third paragraph shall apply equally in the case of expulsion as a penal sanction imposed for contravention of the provisions of this Act concerning entry and in the case of removal of a foreign national who is refused entry to the realm on account of an expulsion decision which is still in effect.
Where a foreign national who needs a permit from the police under section 16, first paragraph, in order to go ashore in the realm, has gone ashore without such a permit, the provisions of the third paragraph above shall apply correspondingly. The liability shall in this case also include any expenses incurred by the public authorities for up to three months in connection with the foreign national’s stay in the realm.
In relation to foreign nationals as mentioned in section 16, third paragraph, the provisions of the third and fifth paragraphs shall apply correspondingly, irrespective of whether the foreign national has received permission to go ashore in the realm.
Where the expenses of conducting the foreign national out of the realm are not met under the first to fifth paragraphs, they shall be met by the State.
The liability pursuant to the third, fourth, fifth and sixth paragraphs shall not apply to entry across an internal Schengen border.
Section 92 Legal aid
In cases concerning rejection, expulsion and revocation of a permit, foreign nationals shall have a right to free legal advice without means testing. However, this shall not apply in expulsion cases pursuant to sections 66 (b) and (c); 67, first paragraph (a), (b) and (c) and 68, first paragraph (a) and (b).
A foreign national who applies for a residence permit under section 28, or invokes protection against expulsion under section 73, shall have a right to free legal advice without means testing in the event of a negative decision made by the Directorate of Immigration. However, this shall not apply where the foreign national appeals against only having been granted a residence permit under section 38. In the case of applications from unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors and cases which may bear on foreign policy considerations, fundamental national interests or where exclusion under section 31 may be the outcome, free legal advice shall also be given without means testing where a case is handled by the Directorate of Immigration. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of exceptions from the right to free legal advice under the first sentence, and supplementary provision to the first sentence, including in respect of the right to free legal advice without means testing at first instance.
In cases as mentioned in section 76, fourth paragraph, foreign nationals shall have the right to free legal advice without means testing. In cases as mentioned in section 77, sixth paragraph, foreign nationals shall have the right to free legal counsel.
The court shall appoint legal counsel when hearing a petition for remand in custody under section 106. The same shall apply where the court hears a petition for seizure or an order under section 104, second paragraph, and section 105, second paragraph, unless appointing legal counsel would entail particular inconvenience or waste of time, or the court has no misgivings about not appointing counsel. If the foreign national already has an advocate at public expense, the advocate shall as a rule be appointed. Such appointment shall be dispensed with when the court so decides.
The court shall on its own initiative and without means testing make funds available for free legal counsel when counsel is appointed pursuant to the fourth paragraph.
In cases where free legal counsel or free legal advice is provided without means testing, full or partial recovery of the public authorities’ outlay in connection with legal aid may be requested provided the foreign national has the necessary financial capacity. The King may by regulations make further provision.
II. Special rules for applications for protection (asylum cases)
Section 93 Time of application for protection. Elucidation of the case
An application for protection under section 28 shall be lodged with the police without undue delay. A passport or other travel document in the possession of the foreign national shall be handed in by him or her together with the application.
If circumstances as mentioned in section 28 arise only after the foreign national's entry to the realm, the application shall be lodged without undue delay after the foreign national became aware of the circumstances.
The person who registers the application shall take the foreign national’s photograph and fingerprints, see section 100, first paragraph (b). When deemed necessary, a copy may be made of documents in the foreign national’s possession.
The applicant shall have a duty to do his or her best to present necessary documentation and to assist in obtaining necessary information. For this purpose the applicant may be ordered to be available at a specified location. The immigration authorities have an independent responsibility for obtaining necessary and available information before the decision is made, see section 17, first paragraph, of the Public Administration Act.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the implementation of case processing.
Section 94 Applicant's legal status during processing of the application
The applicant may be given the right to take employment until the application is decided. Fulfilment of the following conditions is a precondition for the permit:
(a) the applicant has undergone an asylum interview,
(b) there is no doubt as to the applicant's identity, and
(c) there is no question of rejecting the applicant or of requesting another country to take back the applicant.
Where an application for protection has been rejected at first instance, a permit granted under the second paragraph shall remain valid provided the decision has been appealed and implementation has been deferred. An appellant not already holding a permit under the second paragraph may upon request be granted such a permit provided the conditions of the second paragraph are fulfilled, and implementation of the decision has been deferred.
The King may by regulations make provision in respect of the duration of permits to take employment under the second paragraph and in respect of permits after rejection of applications at first instance.
Permits under the second and third paragraphs shall be granted by the Directorate of Immigration, which can also empower the police to grant such permits. Chapters IV to VI on case preparation, decisions and appeals shall not apply to decisions concerning such permits.
Section 95 Accommodation while an application for protection is being considered
A foreign national who applies for protection shall be offered accommodation. A foreign national whose application for protection has been rejected may be offered accommodation pending his or her exit.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of accommodation arrangements, including in respect of the allocation and withdrawal of offered accommodation.
Sections 24 and 25 of the Public Administration Act, on grounds, and sections 28 to 34 on appeals, shall not apply to the immigration authorities' decisions on the allocation of accommodation or transfer to a new accommodation location. Sections 28 to 34 of the Public Administration Act, on appeals, shall not apply to the immigration authorities' decisions on settlement a municipality or withdrawal of offered accommodation.
Section 96 Enforcement in accommodation cases
The immigration authorities' decisions regarding transfer to a new accommodation location, settlement in a municipality or withdrawal of offered accommodation constitute a particular basis for enforcement under Chapter 13 of the Enforcement Act.
Section 97 Police certificate for employees at state reception centres etc.
Anyone who is to be employed at a state reception centre for asylum seekers shall present a satisfactory police certificate. A police certificate may also be demanded of others who perform tasks for the immigration authorities, and who are in direct contact with children and young people staying at an asylum reception centre.
The police certificate shall show whether the person concerned has been charged, indicted, fined or convicted of a contravention of sections 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, second paragraph, 201 (c), 203 or 204 (a) of the General Civil Penal Code where the victim is below the age of 18. The certificate shall not date back more than three months.
Anyone who has been fined or been convicted of a contravention as mentioned in the second paragraph shall be excluded from performing work at an asylum reception centre or tasks mentioned in the first paragraph, second sentence.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provision.
Section 98 Cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Transmission and exchange of information
Norwegian authorities shall cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in accordance with Article 35 of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and in so doing shall facilitate the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ discharge of its duty to supervise compliance with the provisions of the said Convention. Notwithstanding the rules concerning confidentiality, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees may be given access to case documents. To the extent necessary for the purpose of obtaining information, access may also be given to a refugee or human rights organisation.
To the extent Norway is obliged to do so as a participant in cooperation under the Schengen Agreement, see section 9, second paragraph, and the Dublin Agreement, see section 32, first paragraph (b), the immigration authorities may notwithstanding the duty of confidentiality forward information about individuals to the authorities of countries participating in cooperation under the above agreements, as part of or for use in the processing of cases concerning border control, visas, rejection, expulsion, protection under the rules of Chapter 4, protection against refoulement pursuant to Chapter 9 or residence permits. In this section “residence permit” means a permit of whatever type issued by a country participating in cooperation under the Schengen Agreement and conferring the right to reside in its territory. However, permits to stay pending the processing of applications for a residence permit shall not be included.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of what information may be provided, and as to conditions that must be met before transmission can take place. The King may by regulations also make further provision in respect of exchange of information about individuals with other countries’ authorities in cases concerning protection under the provisions of Chapter 4 or protection against refoulement under the provisions of Chapter 9, beyond the provision of the second paragraph.
Chapter 12 Treatment of fingerprints etc., coercive measures and penalties
Section 99 General provisions on the use of coercive measures
A coercive measure may only be applied where there is sufficient reason to do so. A coercive measure may not be applied where doing so would constitute a disproportionate intervention in light of the nature of the case and other factors.
Coercive measures to ensure the implementation of a decision may be applied where a decision has been made entailing that a foreign national must leave the realm, and during the processing of a case which may lead to such a decision.
Section 100 Photographs and fingerprints
Photographs and finger prints may be taken of a foreign national who
(a) cannot provide proof of identity, or there is reason to suspect that the foreign national has given a false identity,
(b) is applying for a residence permit pursuant to this Act,
(c) has been granted a residence permit or has had an application for a residence permit pursuant to this Act rejected, or
(d) has been rejected or expelled, or is believed to staying in the realm illegally.
Fingerprints and photographs taken pursuant to this section may be registered electronically in a register. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the treatment of this information, including in respect of entry, use and deletion of information in the register. The police may use the register in connection with the investigation of one or more acts which in aggregate may be punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding six months.
For treatment of fingerprints pursuant to cooperation under the Dublin Agreement, see section 32, first paragraph (b), the rules of section 101 shall apply.
Any decision to take photographs or fingerprints shall be made by a police officer, a foreign service mission or the Directorate of Immigration.
The chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police may decide that fingerprints and photographs shall be taken forcibly. The foreign national may demand that the question of the lawfulness of such coercive intervention be brought before the court. The police shall ensure that the foreign national is made aware of this right.
Section 101 Treatment of fingerprints. Eurodac
As part of cooperation under the Dublin Agreement, see section 32, first paragraph (b), fingerprints may taken of a foreign national who has reached the age of 14, and who
(a) is applying for a residence permit pursuant to section 28,
(b) is apprehended, without being rejected, for illegally crossing an external Schengen border, or
(c) is staying in the realm illegally.
The following information may be collected together with the fingerprints:
(a) date the fingerprints were taken,
(b) place and date of submission of an application for protection pursuant to section 28,
(c) gender and state of origin.
The information shall be transferred to a national fingerprint information unit.
The Personal Data Act shall apply to the treatment of information unless otherwise provided by law or regulations. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the treatment of the information, including in respect of transfer of information to the national unit, storage, comparison with other information, transfer of the results of such comparison, security, blocking and deletion of information and provision to ensure that the information is correct and brought up to date.
Section 102 Collection and treatment of information on visa applicants etc. Visa Information System (VIS)
Section 103 Search of the foreign national's person, dwelling or the like
A foreign national’s person, dwelling, room or other place of safekeeping may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the foreign national
(a) is concealing or withholding information about his or her identity or other information of material significance to a case concerning a residence permit,
(b) has money or other assets that can be used to meet expenses in connection with exit which the foreign national is obliged to meet, and it is most likely that the foreign national will not meet the expenses voluntarily, or
(c) has travel documents, tickets or other items which may ensure implementation of the decision, and it is most likely that the foreign national will evade implementation.
Without the written consent of the foreign national concerned, searches as mentioned in the first paragraph may only be conducted pursuant to a court decision. Where there is danger associated with any stay, the decision may be made by the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police. Decisions shall as far as possible be in writing and state the subject matter of the case, the purpose of the search and its scope. A verbal decision shall be committed to writing as soon as possible. Before the search is conducted the decision shall if possible be read out or shown to the foreign national. If no written decision exists, the subject matter of the case and the purpose of the search shall if possible be stated verbally.
The rules of sections 198 to 202 of the General Civil Penal Code shall apply insofar as appropriate.
Section 104 Seizure
Where there is doubt about the foreign national’s identity, or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the foreign national is concealing or withholding information about his or her identity, travel documents, tickets or other material items which may serve to clarify or prove identity may be seized. The same shall apply where there is doubt about previous whereabouts if this has significance for the right to stay in the realm.
Where it is most probable that the foreign national will evade the implementation of a decision, travel documents and other items that can prove the foreign national's identity may be seized. Similarly, tickets and money or other assets may be seized to meet expenses which the foreign national has a duty to meet in connection with exit. The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of the size of the sum of money that may be seized.
Travel documents of foreign nationals whose sole basis for staying in the realm is the protection against refoulement provided pursuant to section 73 may be seized.
Decisions concerning seizure shall be taken by the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police. Decisions shall as far as possible be in writing and state the subject matter of the case, the purpose of the search and its scope. A verbal decision shall be committed to writing as soon as possible. Before the search is conducted the decision shall if possible be read out or shown to the foreign national. If no written decision exists, the subject matter of the case and the purpose of the search shall if possible be stated verbally.
When a foreign national arrives in the realm items may, in connection with a search pursuant to section 103 and in situations where there is danger is associated with any stay, be seized by a police officer. Seized items shall be reported immediately to the person who otherwise makes decision concerning seizure, see fourth paragraph. If no written decision exists, the subject matter of the case and the purpose of the seizure shall if possible be stated verbally. If the seizure is upheld, a decision shall be committed to writing pursuant to the fourth paragraph.
Any person who is affected by the seizure may demand to have the question of whether it shall be upheld brought before the court. The police shall ensure that the person affected by the seizure is made aware of this right. The rules of Chapter 16 of the General Civil Penal Code, with the exception of sections 208 (a) and 210-212, shall apply insofar as appropriate.
Section 105 Duty to report and stay in a specific place
A duty to report or to stay in a specific place may be imposed on a foreign national where
(a) the foreign national refuses to state his or her identity, or there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that the foreign national has given a false identity,
(b) it is most probable that the foreign national will evade implementation of a decision,
(c) the sole basis for staying in the realm is the protection against refoulement pursuant to section 73.
Decisions imposing a duty to report and to stay in a specific place shall be made by the chief of police or whoever is authorised by the chief of police. The foreign national may demand to have brought before the court the question of whether the conditions for imposing the duty to report and a specific place of abode are present, and whether there are grounds for upholding the order. The police shall ensure that the person affected by the decision imposing a duty to report and to stay in a specific place is made aware of this right.
Section 175, first paragraph, second sentence, section 184 and section 187 (a) of the General Civil Penal Code shall apply insofar as appropriate.
The King may by regulations make further provision in respect of orders imposing a duty to report and to stay in a specific place pursuant to the first paragraph.
Section 106 Arrest and remand in custody
A foreign national may be arrested and remanded in custody if
(a) the foreign national refuses to state his or her identity, or there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that the foreign national has given a false identity,
(b) it is most probable that the foreign national will evade the implementation of a decision requiring him or her to leave the realm,
(c) the foreign national fails to do what is necessary to comply with the duty to obtain a valid travel document, and the intention is to present the foreign national at the foreign service mission of the country concerned in order to have a travel document issued.
Arrest shall be decided by the chief of police or the person authorised by the chief of police. Where there is danger associated with any stay, a police officer may make the arrest. If the police wish to detain the arrested person, they must, at the earliest opportunity, and if possible on the day following the arrest, bring him or her before the district court with an application that he or she be remanded in custody. Sections 174 to 191 of the Criminal Procedure Act shall apply insofar as appropriate. Remand in custody pursuant to the first paragraph (b) and (c) may be decided for a maximum of four weeks at a time.
The overall period of custody may not exceed 12 weeks, unless there are particular reasons to the contrary.
Section 107 Holding centre for foreign nationals
A foreign national who is arrested and remanded in custody pursuant to section 106, first paragraph, shall as a general rule be placed in a holding centre for foreign nationals.
The holding centre for foreign nationals does not belong under the Norwegian Correctional Services, but is administered by the police.
Unless otherwise provided by this Act, the foreign national concerned shall be entitled to receive visitors, make telephone calls, receive and send mail, have access to health services, associate with others, spend time outdoors, have physical activity, have privacy, and practise their religion or life philosophy.
Where it is necessary in order to maintain peace, order or security, or to ensure implementation pursuant to section 90, the police may
(a) search the foreign national’s person, room and belongings, and other objects, rooms and sections of the holding centre’s area,
(b) temporarily remove and keep the foreign national’s money and other objects,
(c) check and limit the foreign national’s visits, telephone conversations and mail,
(d) check and limit the foreign national’s physical activity, time spent outdoors, exercise of religion or life philosophy, or
(e) search visitors and others present in the holding centre’s area.
Measures under (a), (b) and (c) may also be implemented in respect of a foreign national where there is reason to believe that he or she is concealing or withholding information about his or her or another foreign national’s identity or whereabouts. Telephone monitoring pursuant to (c) may not be undertaken unless both parties to the telephone call are notified beforehand. Measures under (e) may also be implemented in order to investigate whether any such person is concealing information about a foreign national’s identity. Measures under this paragraph may not be implemented in respect of the foreign national’s legal counsel or representatives of a public authority.
Where it is strictly necessary in order to maintain peace, order or security, or to ensure implementation pursuant to section 90, and other less interventional measures have been attempted to no avail or will clearly be inadequate, the police may
(a) use force and approved forcible means, see section 6, fourth paragraph, of the Police Act,
(b) place the foreign national in a high security wing or security cell, or
(c) partly or totally exclude the foreign national from the company of others at the holding centre.
A statement shall if possible be obtained from a doctor and be taken into consideration in the assessment of whether measures pursuant to this paragraph (b) and (c) shall be implemented or upheld.
Measures pursuant to the fourth and fifth paragraphs may not be applied where doing so would constitute a disproportionate intervention. Such measures shall be applied with caution. The police shall continuously assess whether there is a basis for upholding any such measure.
In order to secure the purpose of the stay at the holding centre and foreign nationals’ rights, the police may keep a register of information about decisions taken, arrivals, control measures implemented, use of force and forcible means, incidents, internal transfers, departures, times of supervision and treatment by public health personnel.
An independent supervisory board shall established to oversee the operation of the foreign national holding centre and the treatment of foreign nationals present there.
The King may by regulations make supplementary provisions.
Section 108 Penalties
A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both shall be imposed on anyone who:
(a) wilfully or through negligence contravenes the provisions listed below, or prohibitions, orders or conditions issued pursuant to the said provisions:
o section 7, first paragraph
o section 8, first paragraph
o section 9, first and fourth paragraph
o section 14, first and second paragraph
o section 16, first and third paragraph
o section 19, first and second paragraph
o section 20, third paragraph
o section 21, first paragraph
o section 27, first paragraph, see fourth paragraph
o section 55, first and second paragraph
o section 71, second paragraph
o section 83, first and second paragraph
o section 90, sixth paragraph
o section 93, first paragraph second sentence
o section 94, first paragraph
o section 105, first paragraph
(b) wilfully or through negligence contravenes regulations made pursuant to this Act, or prohibitions, orders or conditions issued pursuant to such regulations where the King has prescribed in the regulations that the offence shall be liable to punishment pursuant to this provision,
(c) wilfully or through gross negligence gives materially incorrect or manifestly misleading information in a case coming under this Act,
A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years shall be imposed on anyone who:
(a) wilfully or through gross negligence makes use of a foreign national's labour when the foreign national does not have the permit required under this Act,
(b) wilfully or through gross negligence procures employment or accommodation for a foreign national, or issues or procures statements, undertakings or documents for use in a case coming under this Act when such action involves improper exploitation of the foreign national’s situation,
(c) wilfully by means of false representations or similar unjustifiable conduct induces a foreign national to enter the realm with a view to settling here,
(d) wilfully hands over to another person a passport, refugee’s travel document, other travel document or similar document that may be used as a travel document, when the person concerned knows or ought to understand that it may be used by a foreign national to enter the realm or another state.
A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years shall be imposed on anyone who:
(a) wilfully helps a foreign national to stay illegally in the realm or in another country participating in cooperation under the Schengen Agreement, or
(b) wilfully helps a foreign national to enter the realm or any other state illegally. However, this shall not apply if the intention is to help a foreign national coming under section 28 of this Act to enter the first safe country he or she comes to.
A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years shall be imposed on anyone who:
(a) for the purpose of gain engages in organised illegal activity with a view to helping a foreign national to enter the realm or any other state, or
(b) for the purpose of gain helps a foreign national to enter the realm or any other state illegally if as a consequence of such action the person affected by the action is put in danger of his or her life.
Complicity shall be subject to the same penalties.
Contravention of the first paragraph shall be deemed a misdemeanour.
Attempted contravention of the prohibition of entry in section 71, second paragraph, shall be a criminal offence.
When required in the public interest, the Directorate of Immigration shall report the matter to the police where there is reason to believe that the first paragraph (a) or the second paragraph (a) has been contravened though the exploitation of the labour of a foreign national who does not hold the permit required pursuant to this Act.
Contravention of this section shall only lead to prosecution when required in the public interest.
Chapter 13 Special provisions for foreign nationals who come under the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) and the Convention establishing the European Free Trade Association (EFTA Convention)
Chapter 14 Concluding provisions
Section 124 Regulations made pursuant to this Act
In addition to regulations as mentioned in the individual sections, the King may by regulations make further provision as to the implementation of this Act.
Section 125 Commencement and transitional provisions
This Act shall apply as from the date decided by the King. The King may give effect to the individual provisions at different times. As from the date of entry into force of this Act, the Act on the Entry of Foreign Nationals into the Kingdom of Norway and their Stay in the Realm (Act of 24 June 1988 No. 64) shall be repealed. The King may by regulations make transitional provisions.
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