Police presence in areas close to internal borders

There has been a significant increase in the number of refugees applying for political asylum in Norway over the past days. Norwegian authorities therefore finds it necessary to get information concerning the identity and background of the applicants as early as possible after crossing the borders to Norway, and to be able to identify if there are individuals in these groups who should be given special attention by the police.

There is an overall aim to prevent cross border crime and illegal migration to Norwegian territory in this situation. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has therefore ordered The National Police Directorate to step up and intensify police presence in areas close to internal borders. Their task is to control individuals after border crossing for immediate information on identity and intentions for entering Norwegian territory. This will provide for public security and make the process of registration of asylum seekers more effective.

The National Police Directorate has been instructed to plan and set into force the more detailed police activity.

The planned police activity will be conducted in full compliance with the Schengen acquis.