41 Somali refugees to be resettled in Norway from Eritrea
12/03/2010 //
The Norwegian Embassy in Asmara has participated in the preparations for the resettlement of 41 Somali refugees in Norway (transfer refugees). It is the first time Somali refugees are resettled from Eritrea to Norway. The Somali refugees have been in Eritrea for a considerable time, and cannot return to their country of origin, according to how their situation has been assessed by UNHCR and Norwegian immigration authorities. Many of those that departured to Norway in March 2010 are children who have lived their whole lives in Emkulu Refugee Camp in Massawa, Eritrea.
The Embassy visited Emkulu Refugee Camp in December 2009 and came to meet those now departing for Norway, amongst others. Even though the camp appears to be well managed with good security arrangements, the refugees were looking forward to getting on with their lives in Norway.
Several organisations are involved in the transfer. UNHCR-Eritrea and Eritrean immigration authorities have been solving practical issues related to the camp, as well as carrying out interviews and health checks with the transferees. The Norwegian Immigration Authority (UDI) and the Norwegian Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDI) have inter alia assessed the need for protection and co-ordinated with Norwegian municipalities regarding settlement. The International Organisation of Migration (IOM) are contributing with escorting the refugees and other aspects. The Norwegian Embassy in Asmara have issued travel documents, provided information to the refugees about conditions in Norway and co-ordinated between Norwegian immigration authorities and UNHCR.
The Embassy wants to thank all the above mentioned organisations for the co-operation, and wishes the best of luck to the Somali refugees in Norway!