106 Afghans that have worked with the Norwegian forces in Afghanistan applied for protection last year. Only 21 applications were granted asylum in Norway, and all of them were translators.
"After careful consideration, the ministry has concluded that 21 of these applicants meet the requirements for being granted refugee status," says state secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Pål Lønseth (Labor Party/Ap).
"I want to emphasize that we have a certain responsibility for those who have worked for the Norwegian forces in Afghanistan, but not all of them have a need for special protection," Lønseth tells Aftenposten.
The Afghans who applied for asylum assisted the Norwegian forces with various types of work, including construction projects, translations and maintenance. According to NTB, all 21 whose applications for asylum were approved, worked as translators.
"We have had to evaluate both protection needs and security. We are very concerned that the people we bring over do not pose a threat in Norway, Lønseth informs.
Those who have been granted refugee status will be placed in a municipality along with their closest family members after undergoing ID controls.
(Aftenposten)
Julie Ryland
