Norwegian Foreign Minister Advocates for the Return of Irregular Migrants, Including Ethiopians

Key Takeaways

1. Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Mehl, emphasized that all individuals staying irregularly in Norway, including Ethiopians, must return to their home countries swiftly and efficiently.
2. Ethiopia has sent several ID delegations to Norway to facilitate the process of returning irregular migrants.
3. Norway is working to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin to streamline the return process.

Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Mehl, has stated that all irregular migrants in Norway, including Ethiopian nationals, must be returned to their home countries efficiently. The Norwegian government is focusing on enhancing cooperation with origin countries to ensure the return process is both quick and effective.

During her meeting with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gideon Timothewos Hessebon, who oversees migration matters, Mehl discussed strategies to improve cooperation. Norway and the European Union had tightened visa requirements for Ethiopians in spring 2024 due to poor collaboration on return processes.

“Ethiopia has recently accepted the return of its citizens who had been staying illegally in Norway for many years, often in asylum reception centers. These returns represent significant savings for society. I thanked the Foreign Minister for this cooperation and expressed my desire for better and more efficient routines to further strengthen our partnership,” said Emilie Mehl.

ID Delegations to Facilitate Returns

Ethiopia has deployed several ID delegations to Norway to ease the return process for irregular migrants. Minister Mehl urged for more streamlined ID verification routines, shorter processing times, and the presence of Norwegian representatives with interpreters during these visits.

“I appreciate Ethiopia’s willingness to cooperate with Norway on returning illegal migrants and accepting its own citizens. If we see continued progress, Norway may consider lifting visa restrictions in 2025,” Mehl added.

Advocating for Legal Migration

Both ministers emphasized the importance of legal migration as a means to address migration challenges. They expressed concerns that without regular migration pathways, more people might seek work through irregular routes, heading towards southern Africa, Europe, or the Gulf States.

Mehl also reiterated that all nations have a responsibility to accept their citizens and simplify the return process, emphasizing that Norway remains committed to managing migration through legal and cooperative measures.