Failed Asylum-Seekers' Responses to Arrangements Promoting Return: Experiences from Norway

Abstract

Return of failed asylum-seekers has figured prominently in asylum debates in most European countries. As a result of the high number of failed asylum-seekers residing in receiving countries, several policies to increase returns have been launched and implemented. Several countries, including Norway, have increased their return and reintegration support, reduced or eliminated social services, and established some form of return centres. Inspired by conflict theory, this article focuses on failed asylum-seekers in Norway and their responses to return-promoting policies. It examines the motives underlying failed asylum-seekers’ actions and the strategies they employ vis-à-vis State authorities. The article argues that measures based on passive coercion do not promote return, but rather contribute to conflicts, unforeseen adjustments, and a further deterioration of asylum-seekers’ living conditions.