Six Syrian "refugees" who have been granted temporary residence in Modum in Buskerud for two years, are not satisfied with the quality of housing they have been offered by the municipality, writes the local newspaper Bygdeposten.
The residences in question are flats that are usually reserved for students, who are quite happy to live in the up to 20 square meter flats in Sevalstunet, but the six Syrian men, aged 20 to 33, refuse to sign contracts to stay there. Instead they want to receive a house each.
Gratitude to the community that takes care of them is not the first one senses, writes the newspaper. The only English speaking of the six is also a lawyer. He claims moral rights:
- It is unfair when others get houses or apartments. We still live at a reception center but we want to get on with life. Get a fresh start as soon as possible, said Abdulhadi Alkhalaf (31).
- We still live at a reception center but we want houses, explains the 31-year-old.
The local newspaper writes that the six seem sane, but that antennas apparently are not what they have the most of:
- Reception center is reception center, house is house. We do not want to seem unhappy and demanding, but we are very impatient to move on, says Abdulhadi Alkhalaf.
The municipality, however, has no obligation to treat them with higher standard than they have been offered, and says that they are obligated to get them "roof over their head," which has been done.
The Refugee Service expresses understanding that it is a big transition for Syrians from the upper social level to live in a flat, but points out that they have heating, water, electricity, a kitchen and a washing machine, and that the residences are located close to public transportation.
Imagine being 20 years and Norwegian-ish, and you could simply get a house for free. Or even a flat. That would be great!