#IBELONG Mapping STATELESSNESS in Norway UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, October 2015 Mapping STATELESSNESS in Norway UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe Stockholm, October 2015 Consultant: Ms. Hrefna Dögg Gunnarsdóttir Cover photos: © UNHCR This document is for general distribution. All rights reserved. Reproduction and translation is authorized, except for commercial purposes, provided that UNHCR is acknowledged as the source. Layout and design: BakOS DESIGN Contents List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................................................6 1. Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................................7 1.1 Executive summary ..................................................................................................................................................8 1.2 Statelessness across the globe .............................................................................................................................9 1.2.1 Defining “a stateless person” .......................................................................................................................................................9 1.2.2 Causes of statelessness ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.3 Consequences of statelessness ............................................................................................................................................... 10 1.3 The international and regional legal framework ............................................................................................11 2. Face of statelessness in Norway ....................................................................................................................13 2.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................13 2.1.1 Historical background ....................................................................................................................................................................13 2.1.2 National legal framework ...........................................................................................................................................................15 2.2 A statistical overview of the stateless population in Norway ...................................................................16 2.2.1 Specifics on the data used .........................................................................................................................................................16 2.2.2 The target population .................................................................................................................................................................19 2.2.2.1 Groups covered by administrative data ....................................................................................................................19 2.2.2.2 Groups not covered by administrative data .........................................................................................................24 2.3 Qualitative analysis of stateless persons in Norway ....................................................................................25 2.3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................25 2.3.2 The human face of statelessness ...........................................................................................................................................26 2.4 Conclusions and recommendations..................................................................................................................26 3. Determination of statelessness and rights attached to the status ............................................28 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................28 3.2 National legal framework ...................................................................................................................................29 3.3 Statelessness determination procedure or other procedures in which statelessness is determined .........................................................................................................................................................30 3.3.1 Competent authority....................................................................................................................................................................30 3.3.2 Procedural aspects .........................................................................................................................................................................31 3.3.2.1 Initiating the procedure .....................................................................................................................................................31 4 MAPPING STATELESSNESS IN NORWAY 3.3.2.2 Questions of proof ............................................................................................................................................................ 32 3.3.2.3 Access to courts .................................................................................................................................................................. 33 3.3.3 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 3.4 Rights of applicants and recognized stateless persons ................................................................................34 3.4.1 Rights of applicants during the statelessness determination procedure ...........................................................34 3.4.1.1 Detention ..................................................................................................................................................................................34 3.4.1.2 Expulsion ..................................................................................................................................................................................35 3.4.2 Rights of persons recognized as stateless .........................................................................................................................36 3.4.2.1 The right of residence .......................................................................................................................................................36 3.4.2.2 The right to work ................................................................................................................................................................ 37 3.4.2.3 The right to public relief ................................................................................................................................................. 37 3.4.2.4 Identification and travel documents .........................................................................................................................38 3.4.2.5 Other rights guaranteed ..................................................................................................................................................39 3.5 Conclusions and recommendations ..................................................................................................................40 4. Reduction and prevention of statelessness ............................................................................................41 4.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................41 4.2 National legal framework ...................................................................................................................................42 4.3 Acquisition and loss of nationality under the national legal framework and compatibility with international standards ..............................................................................................................................43 4.3.1 Avoidance of statelessness at birth.......................................................................................................................................43 4.3.1.1 Birth in the State’s territory ..............................................................................................................................................43 4.3.1.2 Birth Outside the State’s Territory ...............................................................................................................................45 4.3.1.3 Foundlings................................................................................................................................................................................46 4.3.1.4 Birth on a ship or aircraft .................................................................................................................................................46 4.3.2