Secondary Migration Among Refugees in Norway – Municipal Experiences

The project examines how municipalities, NAV employees, and the County Governors understand and implement regulations that restrict refugees’ ability to move during the first five years after settlement, and what consequences this has for refugees’ access to the Introduction Programme and social services.

The background is that a significant share of refugees relocate from their settlement municipality before five years, while current regulations grant limited rights.

The research questions are explored through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. This includes a national survey of all municipalities regarding inquiries and practices related to secondary migration and the Introduction Programme; qualitative interviews with programme managers and NAV caseworkers about assessments under the Integration Act and the Social Services Act; and workshops with caseworkers from the County Governors’ offices on appeals and legal interpretation.