UDI asks Listhaug to reconsider treatment of unaccompanied child asylum seekers

Sylvi Listhaug waggingSylvi Listhaug (Progress Party).Photo regjeringen.no

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is concerned that unaccompanied minors are placed in reception centers for long periods without being resettled, and have alerted immigration minister, Sylvi Listhaug, to the possible negative consequences.

In a letter to Listhaug, UDI requested reassessment of a (June 2014) provision that children with limited stay in Norway are not settled in a foster home or in a municipality, reported VG newspaper.

In the letter, UDI wrote, ‘this doesn’t promote good integration, and can also create a basis for challenges at both individual and community levels’.

UDI continued that ‘reception and care centers are not proper places for children to grow up, and little contact with adults is detrimental to a child’s development’.

The provision applies to children who aren’t entitled to protection, but who are granted residence on compassionate grounds.

The Ministry of Justice wouldn’t comment on the letter, saying that the case is still pending.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today