Several young Norwegians from ethnic minorities that go on vacation to their home countries in the summer, are forced into marriage by their families.
Often the marriage is to ensure that the spouse is granted a Norwegian residence permit.
Since 2004 and up until 2012, the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi) has registered 2,300 persons who have requested assistance after experiencing pressure, threats and violence in connection with forced marriages.
But whereas forced marriages are registered and handled by the government, arranged marriages are considered a tradition, and are not given much attention.
“We have several action plans and a good legislation that covers forced marriages. The problem is that we are unable to uncover and control it because many arranged marriages are actually forced marriages in disguise,” explains government representative Saera Khan (Ap/Labour Party).
According to the IMDi, most forced marriages take place abroad. Integration advisors at Norwegian embassies abroad received 14 inquiries regarding completed forced marriages in 2012, and the embassies in Amman, Ankara, Islamabad and Nairobi all have staff that can assist youth abroad.
However, although help abroad is possible, it is difficult, and the IMDi advises people who suspect or are concerned about forced marriages to stay in Norway.