Board members are independent decision-makers who contribute to the appeals process in UNE. They are appointed for a four-year term, following nominations from the County Governors, professional associations, and humanitarian organisations.
"Together with our board leaders, the board members play an important role in safeguarding legal certainty in immigration matters and fostering trust that UNE’s decisions are in line with national legislation and international conventions," says UNE Director Marianne Jakobsen.
Board members are not employed by UNE
Serving as a board member is a voluntary public role. Nominations are made by the County Governors, Samfunnsviterne (the Norwegian Association of Social Scientists), the Norwegian Association of Lawyers, and various humanitarian organisations working within the field of asylum and immigration.
Decide cases where there is doubt
The role of UNE and its boards is to reach correct decisions in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Most appeal cases involving board members concern matters where there is uncertainty about the correct outcome.
"The work they will carry out over the next four years will be of great significance to the individuals whose cases are brought before UNE," Jakobsen adds.
Over 200 cases reviewed in 2024
The majority of cases considered by UNE’s boards relate to revocation of citizenship, applications for protection (asylum), or residence on humanitarian grounds.
In 2024, more than 200 cases were decided in formal board hearings.
Further information on the types of cases heard by the boards is available here.
Undergo training
All new board members undergo training prior to attending their first hearing. In January, UNE conducted a webinar across three half-day sessions covering the following topics:
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The immigration administration and UNE’s role as an appeals body
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Information security and data protection
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Types of cases and case portfolios
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The role of the UNE secretariat
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Responsibilities of board leaders and decision-making processes
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Structure of board hearings, deliberation, and decision-making
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The role and responsibilities of board members
Requirements for board members
The Immigration Act sets certain criteria for board members, including that they must be Norwegian citizens, meet the conduct requirements of the Courts of Justice Act, have adequate proficiency in Norwegian, and be personally suited to the role.
No legal background is required to serve as a board member. Legal expertise is provided by UNE’s case officers and board leaders, who are responsible for ensuring that all legal sources such as legislation, regulations, case law, and administrative practice are correctly applied.
In hearings, board members are presented with all relevant information necessary to decide the case.
More information about board hearings, including a video outlining the hearing process, is available here.