Norway
Norway has a low-threshold system for identifying and following up on potential victims of human trafficking. Assistance is provided by different state or municipal authorities or NGOs. The Child Welfare Services are responsible for child protection measures for minors who may be victims of human trafficking.
The Coordination Unit against Human Trafficking (KOM) is the national point of contact for coordination against human trafficking in Norway. The NGO ROSA operates a 24-hour helpline that is open to all victims of human trafficking: +47 22 33 11 60.
Identification
In Norway, there is no single agency with a defined task to identify potential victims or to verify whether a person is a victim of human trafficking. All authorities that may come into contact with victims of human trafficking are responsible for facilitating the identification of victims and ensuring they receive assistance and protection. This also applies to voluntary and nonprofit organisations, as well as private entities, that perform tasks for the public sector in this field. The Child Welfare Services are responsible for child protection measures for minors who may be victims of human trafficking of human trafficking. This responsibility is regulated by the Norwegian Child Welfare Act.
Early and immediate assistance
Immediate assistance measures for presumed victims of human trafficking are not dependent on whether the victim chooses to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities or act as a witness. Victims can turn to different state or municipal authorities or NGOs to receive assistance. The Norwegian Child Welfare Act provides various measures that the Child Welfare Services can take to protect child victims. The length and content of assistance measures is related to the presumed victim’s residence status.
Temporary residence permits
Presumed victims can apply for a limited residence permit for victims of human trafficking, or apply for protection (asylum). This also applies to EEA citizens. Victims of human trafficking who have given witness statements to the court or to the police may be granted a permit that may provide a basis for permanent residence if the conditions are met The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) processes applications for residence permits.
Pre-trial investigation and criminal proceedings
All victims of human trafficking are entitled to a minimum of three hours of free legal aid to assess matters relevant to filing a report. After the criminal report has been filed, victims have the right to free legal assistance until the end of the criminal proceedings. The police prepare a risk assessment for victims of human trafficking participating in the investigation. Depending on the risks identified, additional protection measures can be introduced. Victims can seek compensation from their perpetrators in criminal proceedings or take civil action against them. Victims of human trafficking are also entitled to compensation from the state.
Long-term assistance and residence permits
There are no long-term integration programmes in Norway specifically for victims of human trafficking. Victims who are granted a permanent residence permit gain access to an integration programme. Integration services are provided by the state and municipalities.
Voluntary return and reintegration
Presumed victims of human trafficking can access assisted return and reintegration through the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARP) for Vulnerable Migrants. VARP is offered to asylum seekers and migrants without a legal right to stay in Norway, including victims of human trafficking.
