The Nexus of Asylum Seeker Migrations and Asylum Policy: Longitudinal Analysis of Migration Trends in Norway

Abstract

There has been much focus on the increased influx of asylum seekers in Norway and in Europe in general. This article investigates links between the influx of asylum seekers and developments in asylum policies in Norway. In focus are the immigration trends of the four largest groups of asylum seekers in Norway in the period 2006–2012. It is assumed that developments in the arrival of asylum seekers are to a large extent influenced by the ways in which the four groups were treated by migration authorities in Norway. This analysis is based on policy survey and available statistics. The longitudinal analysis indicates that changes in rejection, approval and deportation rates correspond to a large extent with subsequent fluctuations in annual arrivals of asylum seekers. It is also maintained that the restrictions in social rights result in deteriorating living conditions, but as a tool of migration control such restrictions do not work in accordance with the intention. The findings are of clear relevance for on-going discussions on asylum seeker mobility and discussions on minimum standards for reception of asylum seekers.