Headline: Norway to Tighten Family Reunification Rules to Ease Pressure on Cities
Subhead: New income requirements come into effect February 1st, sparking concerns from NGO Noas.
In an effort to manage the significant increase in migration and ease the pressure on local communities, Norway is set to introduce stricter income requirements for family reunification. The new rules, coming into effect on February 1st, aim to limit the number of individuals entering the country through family reunification.
Currently, couples must demonstrate an annual income of NOK 335,000 before tax to qualify for family reunification. Under the new rules, this threshold will increase to NOK 400,000. This change is driven by Norway’s desire to alleviate strain on its municipalities, schools, healthcare services, and other institutions, according to Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.
The Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (Noas) has expressed concern over the change, noting the importance of family life in successful integration. Mads H. Almaas, Noas’ general secretary, worries that the stricter income requirements may negatively impact those already residing in Norway.
welcome image of families reuniting
In 2022 and 2023, the largest groups arriving through family reunification from non-EEA countries were from India, Pakistan, and Syria, according to Statistics Norway.
Applicants will now need to prove they have a realistic chance of earning NOK 400,000 annually for at least the next year. Some social benefits, such as unemployment benefits, social assistance, housing allowances, and child-related support, will not count towards this income threshold.
The new rules will apply to most family reunification cases, but there are special provisions for children under 18 and Ukrainians currently under collective protection. However, Ukrainians arriving from safe areas will not be exempt. Northens also bringing a spouse from an non-EEA country will need to meet the new income requirements.
The short notice period between the announcement and the new rules’ implementation is deliberate, Mehl explained. The government aims to balance providing a transition period while avoiding people rushing to apply under the old rules.
Meh is also reviewing another family reunification proposal: preventing elderly, single parents from being reunited with adult children in Norway. This change has sparked criticism from various organizations, including the Church Council, the Norwegian Bar Association, and Jussbuss, during the consultation process. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is currently evaluating these responses and working on a resolution.
As Norway continues to navigate its migration policies, ensuring a balance between compassion and practicality remains a central challenge.
