A growing number of North Korean defectors who have found it difficult to settle in South Korea are seeking asylum in welfare states in Europe. Last year, 72 defectors asked for asylum in Norway, compared to 26 in the previous year.

An increasing number of North Korean defectors who have found it difficult to settle in South Korea are seeking asylum in welfare states in Europe. Last year, 72 defectors asked for asylum in Norway, compared to 26 in the previous year, according to the Voice of America broadcasting service.

It is known that a considerable number of North Koreans who have asked for asylum in other countries are not recent defectors, but North Koreans who have gained South Korean citizenship and lived in the country for a period of time following their defection, or are former residents of China pretending to have just defected from North Korea.

 The Norwegian government provides temporary apartments and a modest stipend for living expenses to those seeking asylum while they are waiting for the screening process to be complete, making it more likely that North Koreans looking to defect directly from North Korea, and those simply hoping to leave the South, are requesting asylum regardless of whether or not the nation will accept them. However, the Northern European country has a very complicated screening procedure and only seven out of the 72 people who asked for asylum last year were granted refugee status.

Please go to the following website to view the full report.