legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

SOCIAL CONDITIONS FOR REFUGEES
Housing
As far as social conditions are concerned, no distinction is made between Convention Refugees
and persons with residence permits for humanitarian reasons.
The UDI is responsible for the allocation of refugees (Convention and humanitarian status) to its
six regional branch offices, which, in turn, are responsible for their distribution amongst local
authorities throughout the country.
The local authorities may decide whether or not they wish to receive refugees and how many they
take, but once they have agreed to accept refugees they cannot refuse their allocated quota. The
local authorities cannot refuse refugees who choose to settle in their area independently.
The UDI's branch offices make every effort to establish national groups of a certain size in order
to facilitate integration. Special consideration is also given to the vocational and educational
opportunities available in each area. The refugees' own wishes are rarely taken into
consideration.
The widespread housing shortage in most Norwegian cities means that many refugees are
obliged to remain in reception centres until they can obtain permanent accommodation. Even
after refugee status has been granted, this may take up to eight months.
Once allocated to the municipalities, refugees are usually provided with accommodation in rented
rooms and flats.
Freedom of movement
Refugees are entitled to refugee travel documents to be able to travel outside of Norway.
Financial assistance
Refugees who are obliged to remain in reception centres receive the same financial assistance
as asylum seekers (see “Financial assistance” under “Social Conditions for Asylum Seekers,
above). However, as soon as they have been housed by their local authority, they become
entitled to the same social benefits as nationals, under the Norwegian Social Assistance Act.
Social benefits vary amongst the local authorities. For example, the monthly payments in the Oslo
area are as follows:
Single adult NOK 3,941 EUR 486
Single parent with 3 or more children NOK 7,141 EUR 881
Married couple with 4 children NOK 8,829 EUR 1,089
These benefits are not subject to taxation.
Furthermore, rent, heating, and any local repayments are also covered.
These allowances are administered by the asylum centres themselves or the local social
assistance office. Assistance in kind is not given.
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Norway