Everyone in Norway needs to know what is legal and what is illegal. When you are in Norway you must obey Norwegian law. Some laws in Norway are different from those in other countries. You may be convicted of an offence even if you do not know that you are breaking a Norwegian law. It is therefore important to be familiar with the most important laws.
In Norway, the law takes precedence over religion or tradition. That means you must obey Norwegian law even if it goes against a tradition that you are accustomed to. You cannot justify an unlawful act by calling it tradition or a religious act.
If you are uncertain about whether something is legal or illegal in Norway, ask the staff at your asylum reception centre.
Your asylum reception centre staff will explain more about Norwegian laws as part of the information programme.
The police
The police have many functions. They prevent crime and keep the peace. They also protect people within the country's borders, and investigate crime. You can call the Police at 02800.
Asylum seekers and crime
If you break the law in Norway while you are an asylum seeker, the UDI will process your application very quickly. If your application is rejected you will speedily be removed from the country. It may also make it difficult for you to enter Norway and a number of other European countries at a later date. It is illegal to make a false statement or present false documents in connection with your application for asylum. Asylum seekers whose applications have received a final rejection must leave the country within the specified deadline. If they do not, they may be arrested by the police, imprisoned or moved to a secure detention centre before being removed from the country.
Punishment
If you break the law, you may be tried before a court. If you are found guilty and convicted of a serious criminal offence, you may be sentenced to many years in prison and/or be given a large fine. The maximum penalty in Norway is 21 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty may be imposed in connection with serious narcotics offences and murder cases. Norway does not have the death penalty.
Various types of offences: Discrimination
Discrimination means treating someone worse than others because of their gender, nationality, race, religion, skin colour, disability or sexual orientation. If you are treated worse than others because of your ethnic background, you are the victim of racial discrimination. This is illegal in Norway, but may nevertheless occur in shops, the workplace or elsewhere in society. Discrimination may also occur at your asylum reception centre. You are entitled to say that you have been discriminated against and take action against such behaviour. If you are the victim of racism or other gross discrimination, the perpetrators could face prosecution. The staff at your asylum reception centre will tell you more about this as part of the information programme.
Various types of offences: Violence and threats of violence
The use of violence and causing physical injury to any person is illegal in Norway. This also applies to family members. It is also illegal to threaten someone with violence. The law is particularly strict with regard to violence against women and children. All violence, both inside and outside the family, is illegal.
Various types of offences:Rape/sexual abuse
Rape is a serious crime in Norway. This also applies to marital rape. There is no excuse for rape, regardless of how the victim is dressed or behaves. Convicted rapists are sent to prison.
Various types of offences: Age of consent
It is illegal in Norway to have sexual intercourse with anyone who is under the age of 16, even if both parties give their consent. It is the responsibility of each person to find out if their sexual partner is over the age of 16.
Various types of offences: Incest
Sexual relations with family members (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, etc) is called incest. Incest is strictly forbidden in Norway.
Various types of offences: Genital mutilation
Female circumcision is strictly forbidden in Norway. All forms of female circumcision, including "sunna", are regarded as genital mutilation. It is illegal to force someone into, agree to or participate in the genital mutilation of girls or women. Genital mutilation carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison. The staff at your asylum reception centre can give you more information about this law.
Various types of offences: Sexually transmitted diseases
If you know that you are infected with a sexually transmitted disease yet still infect other people with this disease, you may be prosecuted. If you are in any doubt about whether you have a sexually transmitted disease, you should consult a doctor. Doctors have a duty to protect their patients' privacy.
Various types of offences: Forced marriage
Everyone in Norway over the age of 18 is entitled to decide for themselves who they will marry. This means that no one living in Norway may be forced into a marriage against their will - either in Norway or abroad. Everyone is entitled to decide for themselves if they wish to divorce. Marriage is sacred in many religions. Nevertheless, the law must be obeyed, even if different rules apply in other cultural or religious traditions.
Various types of offences: Child abuse
Children may not be punished with blows, kicks or any other form of violence inside or outside the home. All physical and psychological punishment of children is illegal and its perpetrators may be prosecuted. The sexual abuse of children is strictly forbidden and such offences may result in a long prison term. The Child Welfare Service may intervene if it feels that a child is at risk. You can notify the Child Welfare Service if you know of a child that you think is at risk. Normally child welfare officers offer guidance to parents to enable them to look after their children.
Various types of offences: Weapons
It is illegal to carry firearms, knives or any other weapons, even for self-defence purposes. The same applies to replica firearms, toys, air soft guns and other objects with the appearance of a weapon. It is illegal to buy or sell weapons without a special permit from the Norwegian authorities.
Various types of offences: Alcohol
It is legal to consume alcohol almost everywhere in Norway. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Various types of offences: Narcotic drugs
The sale, possession and consumption of all forms of narcotic drugs is strictly forbidden within Norway's borders. Khat, hashish and cannabis/marijuana, which may be legal in some other countries, are considered to be illegal narcotics in Norway.
Various types of offences: Smuggling
It is not permitted to bring goods into the country unlawfully. All buying and selling of smuggled goods may result in prosecution. You have a personal responsibility to make sure that you do not buy smuggled goods.
Various types of offences: Theft and handling stolen goods
Theft is illegal in Norway. It is also illegal to buy or sell items that have been stolen, even if they were stolen by someone else.
Various types of offences: Prostitution, procuring and people trafficking
It is illegal to buy or sell another human being. It is also illegal to hire people out for the purpose of prostitution or aid in the organisation of prostitution. If you are the victim of such activities, you can receive help to get away. Talk to the staff at your asylum reception centre if anyone is forcing you or attempts to force you into prostitution. You should also tell the UDI about your situation.
