Norway proposes confiscating potential foreign fighters' passports

Norway said on Wednesday it has proposed new measures to confiscate or refuse to issue passports to people who are seen as potential foreign fighters.

According to the proposal, which has been sent out by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for consultation, a person's passport might be refused or revoked if there is reason to believe that the purpose of his or her trip is related to terrorism or unlawful participation in military operations abroad.

The proposal affects only the right to have passports and national ID cards, and will not affect the person's Norwegian citizenship, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

"It is important to have effective means to prevent people from travelling to conflict areas, both to prevent the very serious crimes that are committed in these areas and because people who return could post a threat to Norway and Norwegian interests," Minister of Justice and Public Security Anders Anundsen said.

Under the country's current rules, passport confiscation requires probable evidence that the purpose of a person's trip abroad is illegal activity. Under the proposal, it would be enough to have an objective assumption that the person has such intentions. Enditem