The pandemic has affected us all on many levels. Some lost their jobs, some have been on leave from March, some could not see their partners, families, and friends for a very long time, and some others whose already uncertain situations from before became even more uncertain in this period.
Queer migrants have faced major challenges during this crisis. The isolation made many of us more exposed to minority stress, unsafe living, and domestic conditions, as well as a high level of uncertainty regarding our legal status in Norway. Many stay in violent relationships and don´t dare to report the violence because they are afraid of losing their right to stay here. They instead often decide to wait until they get a permanent residency so they can have more independence in their relationships.
Transgender people who are originally from countries where they cannot change their legal gender have to wait until they have Norwegian citizenship to change their documents. In the meantime, their safety is compromised while traveling, especially to their home countries that are not always safe. These and many other obstacles regarding residency in Norway are preventing queer people with minority backgrounds from living their lives fully.
Now the government parties along with FRP are trying to extend the requirement for permanent recidency from 3 to 5 years(the so called “botidskrav”) without any public debate.
If the botidskrav is enforced, it will have a huge effect on already vulnerable groups and make their integration and safety more difficult to maintain.
Vi sier NEI til botidskrav og støtter oppropet fra MiRA!
Vi i Skeiv Verden derfor sier NEI til botidskrav og støtter det oppropet fra MiRA.
The MiRA Resource Center for black, immigrant and refugee women have launced a digital appeal that anyone can sign to show opposition to this suggestion. They are writing:
Uten offentlig debatt eller komitébehandling har nå regjeringspartiene og FrP vedtatt å skjerpe botidskravet fra 3 til 5 år for å få permanent oppholdstillatelse for flyktninger og personer som har opphold som familiegjenforent med en flyktning. MiRA-Senteret mener at det er uakseptabelt, og en trussel mot demokratiet, at så viktige regelendringer gjøres uten offentlig debatt. Innvandringspolitikken angår rettighetene til minoritetsbefolkningen, og det er en svært bekymringsfull utvikling at rettigheter med store konsekvenser for likestilling og integrering ofres på denne måten.
If you wish to sign the appeal you can click here. more information is also availble on the link or in their facebookevent.
