There are now less than 3,000 people living in asylum centers in Norway. This is the lowest figure in more than 21 years. Now more centers can be closed.
Since February 1998, asylum centers in the country have had lower occupancy rates, NTB is informed by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
The figures, which are updated as of August 19, show that 2,999 people lived at the reception centers around the country. About one-third of the residents are waiting for the application to be processed, and about as many have received final rejection and have a duty to leave.
If asylum arrivals continue at the same level as today, UDI will not rule out that more asylum centers may be closed.
“The reception capacity is adjusted according to forecasts for asylum arrivals, which come four times a year. As of today, the forecast for arrivals is 3,000. The next forecast comes in October. If this shows a further decline in arrivals, it is natural that reception capacity will be reduced,” says acting department director Borghild Fløtre in the regional and reception department of the UDI to NTB.
This year, the number of arrivals has been between 150 and 200 asylum seekers per month. By the end of July, 1,171 people had applied for asylum in Norway.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
