The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion has commissioned a public study to examine whether and how unwanted secondary migration of refugees between municipalities can be regulated more strictly. Some municipalities report pressure on public services due to refugees relocating from other municipalities without employment, particularly after completing the 5-year integration grant period.
Currently, refugees who move during the integration period may lose access to certain benefits, but secondary migration mainly occurs after this period ends. While most refugees remain in their municipality of settlement and many move for work or education, some municipalities, especially larger ones in Eastern Norway, report increased costs for social assistance, higher child poverty, and a concentration of social challenges linked to incoming secondary migration.
The government asked Professor of Law Marius Emberland to conduct an expedited legal study, to be delivered in spring 2026. The study will assess the legal scope for requiring refugees to be self-supporting to move to another municipality after five years, and for potentially restricting relocation to certain municipalities or areas to prevent the accumulation of social challenges.