The phenomenon where women are involuntarily left behind abroad after marriage with a person in Norway is little known, both in international research and in the Norwegian administration. The circumstances for women left behind and potentially divorced are challenging in several of the countries where this phenomenon is most recurring. It is therefore important to gain a better understanding of the situation of these women. A better understanding will shed light both on what challenges women and their children will face upon return to Norway and what opportunities the Norwegian government have for assistance.
The objective of this study is to create knowledge about the reasons for, and consequences of, that women and their children, often after no or little time in Norway, being withheld or left behind abroad against their will. We ask what problem such as leaving behind or retention is meant to solve, and why this practice is seen as a solution to the problem. We further ask which measures are currently available to assist these women and their children, and which preventive and follow-up measures should be implemented.
The project utilizes a combination of several methods: we interview the apparatus for assistance both in Norway and abroad, including integration officers located at relevant embassies, civil society organizations and other actors who have experience with assisting women withheld or left behind. In addition, we conduct a mapping of cases with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration of women who have lost their residency due to being withheld or left behind abroad.
