Simen Brekke

The Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE)

Utlendingsnemnda (UNE) is an independent quasi-judicial Appeals Board that handles appeals of rejections by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) pursuant to the Immigration Act. Administratively, UNE sorts under the Mininistry of Justice and police (JD). Although the Ministry can instruct the Board through legislation, regulations, budget and general priorities, it can`t instruct the Board on interpreting the law, exercising discretion or deciding individual cases. The appeals UNE handles include; asylum, family reunifications, various residence permits, work permits, settlement permits, rejections of entry, expulsions and visas. UNE has a staff of slightly over 300, of whom 28 are Board Leaders who are also qualified as magistrates. In addition, approx. 300 lay persons have volunteered to serve as ad hoc appeals board members.