A Norwegian environmental research station faces legal action after employing a man without legal residency for twelve years. Runde Environmental Center must now defend itself in court against accusations of violating immigration laws.
The company received a 300,000 kroner fine offer to settle the case out of court. Management refused the settlement, forcing the matter to trial. The center's lawyer claims public authorities initially approached them about hiring Suel Kassembo, who had applied for support from Norway's labor and welfare administration.
Attorney Arild Humlen represents Runde Environmental Center in the proceedings. He describes the situation as highly unusual. Public authorities allegedly contacted the center about engaging Kassembo despite his immigration status. Humlen states he has never encountered a case where public bodies played such a decisive role in implementing arrangements that conflicted with immigration law.
The environmental center reportedly informed multiple government agencies about Kassembo's employment. These included the immigration directorate, police, welfare administration, and tax authorities. Tax records show Kassembo paid over half a million kroner in taxes through 2023. During this same period, he had received final rejection of his application for Norwegian residency.
The police commissioner in Møre og Romsdal has charged the environmental center with violating immigration law section 108. The charge relates to providing Kassembo with work over twelve years. Police attorney Magne Kvalvik declined to comment before court proceedings begin.
Legal experts have criticized police handling of the case. Law professor Mads Andenæs previously reprimanded authorities for poor judgment. He stated they should never have fined Runde Environmental Center given the circumstances.
The regional director of Norway's labor and welfare administration acknowledges the case's特殊性 but denies initiating the employment arrangement. Officials confirm they never paid wages to Kassembo for his work at the environmental center. He received social benefits under different regulations that were deemed appropriate at the time.
Kassembo has lived illegally in Norway for over twenty years. He has sought residency rights but lost two court cases. The European Court of Human Rights declined to hear his case. He currently resides in church asylum in Herøy municipality, fearing forced deportation.
The employee expresses frustration about his employer facing legal consequences. He believes they followed established rules throughout his employment. Runde Environmental Center operates as a coastal ecology and marine research station located in Sunnmøre's outer coastal areas.
Center director Nils Roar Hareide has supported Kassembo's residency efforts for years. The long employment relationship formed part of Kassembo's argument for obtaining legal status. Now that same employment forms the basis for legal action against his supporters.
This case highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and labor market realities. Norway maintains strict immigration laws while facing workforce shortages in certain sectors. The situation echoes a 2019 case where a former bishop received a prison sentence for employing a cleaning assistant without legal residency.
The court must now determine whether following apparent official guidance provides legal protection. The outcome could affect how employers verify worker eligibility when receiving mixed signals from different government agencies. Many businesses struggle to navigate complex immigration and labor regulations, particularly in remote areas with limited workforce availability.