Lords Committee to visit Norway to learn about its relationship with the EU asylum system

From Tuesday 25-27 June, a delegation from the House of Lords EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee will visit Norway to discuss Norway’s relationship with the EU as a third country participating in the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), and lessons that may be learned from this to inform future UK cooperation with the EU on asylum matters.

Lord Jay, Chairman of the Committee, said:

“There are families and individuals fleeing persecution from many countries, all over the world and it has long been Britain’s tradition to give them sanctuary. After Brexit, the UK will leave the EU systems to determine responsibility for asylum seekers and support refugee family reunion in Europe. We want to explore whether Norway’s relationship with the EU on asylum could be a model for UK-EU cooperation in this area after Brexit.

“The Committee will examine the key features of Norwegian asylum policy which, similarly to the UK, currently involves selective participation in the CEAS – in the Dublin and EURODAC Regulations. We’ll also ask about continuing common interest in cross-border cooperation to support the reunion of separated refugee families, how the UK might still be involved in promoting a common European approach to migration challenges after Brexit, and what lessons Norway learned from the 2015 refugee crisis.”

To request an interview with chairman of the Committee, Lord Jay of Ewelme, or to discuss other media opportunities around the visit, please contact Anouska Russell on 02072198535 or email russellaf@parliament.uk

The Committee will hold discussions with the following representatives:

• Minister of Justice and Immigration, Jøran Kallmyr
• Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS)
• Norwegian Refugee Council
• Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
• Members of the Norwegian Parliament