In Norway, like many European countries, leaders like to criticise African countries accusing them of corruption. Those in Norway do not seem to understand that there is deep-rooted corruption in their country, only that it is done in a more sophisticated manner.
To get employed in some departments agreements are normally arrived at, in high class bars or restaurants whereby people dish out jobs to “friends of friends” over a couple of drinks.
According to our reliable source working in the UDI, we can now reveal that one officer has, over a long period of time, received cash and gifts from some asylum seekers in order to get his blessings and be granted asylum.
The official in question, according to our source, has a drinking problem and is an addicted gambler, playing machines all over Oslo.
Eight people have so far got their asylum this year after dealing with the man. According to information we have gathered, the officer never meets those he wants to get money from, in his own office. When meeting the victims to struck a deal, he invites them to a bar or restaurant and in most cases uses a middle man.
Recently, the man travelled abroad on holiday for some days,y and is now believed to be back on duty again.
African Press struck a deal recently with one refugee who got his asylum after paying alot of money. He agreed to tape the man during their conversation in one Oslo restaurant. The UDI man who had given him asylum earlier, had contacted him. The man asked the refugee to organise three asylum seekers for him before the end of the year, because he wanted money now that Christmas is around the corner.
He told our contact man that he had debts which must be cleared before Christmas.
This case cannot be the only one in UDI. It is important that the Directorate is transparent in handling asylum cases in order to avoid this kind of thing from happening. The system is so closed that things happening cannot be easily uncovered ,unless there is a willing whistle blower within, as is the case here.
APN has now learnt that those who got the asylum after paying the money threatened the man with exposure one month ago. They have asked him to return their money or face exposure.
It is now believed that the man is under pressure to get new people, who want asylum, to pay bribes so that he uses the money to pay back in order to avoid being exposed.
If exposed, he will definitely lose his job and face prosecution for abuse of office and taking bribes. The asylum seekers who got the refugee status are also in a fix. If they go public openly, they risk to have their refugee status withdrawn.
However, they are willing to enter into a deal with the authorities so that if they go public openly their status is guaranteed.
Authorities should accept such an offer so that they get complete picture of what has been going on in order to stop the practice immediately.
The minister charged with immigration matters should clear the mess.
Months ago, the then acting Director Manuela was removed from being the top boss in UDI after allegations against the directorate’s leadership.
After this revelation, it remains to be seen how many heads will roll.
By Korir, African Press in Norway, APN.
<President Pohamba! 
1990. In 2004, he handed over to the present leader.
 
