The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Erna Solberg, has instructed the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) to suspend the processing of applications from Somali asylum seekers.

- Lately we have seen an increase in the number of Somali asylum seekers to Norway. During the first 7 months this year 1 036 Somali asylum seekers arrived in Norway. This is not far from the total number that arrived in 2002 and 2001. We have also experienced misuse of travel ducuments among this group. Other European countries have made changes in their practice and are now rejecting more cases. There are several indications that the number of arrivals from Somalia is not only caused by the situation in the country, but is also part of a general migration, says Erna Solberg.

In order to become more in line with other countries, the Norwegian Minister finds it necessary to reconsider the processing of Somali asylum cases. The Ministry will concider a more restictive practice, but is not planning any tightening in relation to persons with individual need for protection.