How Norway integrates immigrants
Newsletter 2010-5
Publication date : 2011-02-08
People of immigrant
background living in Norway made up 11.4% of its population (or 552,000 people,
including the 93,000 born to immigrant parents) in January 2010. The
integration of immigrants is important in two senses; firstly in ensuring
immigrants enjoy the same rights and opportunities as the native population but
also to enable participation in the labour market and wider society. Policies have been adopted
by the Norwegian government and implemented at the municipal level. There is
for instance the right and obligation to participate in Norwegian language and
social studies courses. Since most employers demand fluency in Norwegian,
foreign nationals (those aged 16-55 holding residence or work permits) are
required to complete 300 hours of language training. A specific programme
targets refugees. An “Introductory programme” for refugees offers language and
social studies courses as preparation for work or further education. They
receive an annual income of €18,000 (just under a third of the average
Norwegian salary) provided they attend their courses full-time. A survey held
by Statistics Norway in November 2008 showed that 63% of those who left the
programme in 2007 were in employment or education. Finally, there is the
“Second Chance” programme which was first launched in 2005. It caters for
people from an immigrant background who have no links to the labour market
(stay-at-home mothers, the younger generation). It helps them negotiate the world
of work giving them support and guidance. There are plans for future
policies which include citizenship tests and a mandatory language test, plus an
increase in the number of hours required for compulsory language lessons (600
hours). In addition, further documentation of results will be addressed. The Peer Review took place
in Oslo, Norway, on 18-19 November 2010. It was hosted by
the Norwegian Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi). Taking part as
peer countries were Austria, Finland, Greece, Italy, Latvia and Malta, and
stakeholder representatives came from the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
and the European Women’s Lobby (EWL). Taking part for the European Commission
was a representative of the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs
and Inclusion. Recognising
that different immigrant groups require varied support and the usefulness of targeted
courses was a successful aspect in the Norwegian approach to integrating immigrants.
Participants also suggested if it is unusual for women to work in the culture they
come from then specific help might be considered. At the same time, too much targeted
support could disadvantage other immigrant groups who do not qualify for such
targeted actions; mainstream help needs to be widely available as well. Regarding
Norway’s plans to make integration policy more comprehensive; on the one hand
the prospect of citizenship is attractive and testing could improve performance
but anything too draconian has the potential to put people off. Making language
courses mandatory and compulsory testing part of integration policy is a
sensitive issue. There is always a need to distinguish between integration and
immigration policies. Peer Review participants urged for a greater role for NGOs,
immigrant associations, private service providers, and the social partners. Since
European companies are increasingly in need of workers, they could be asked to
contribute towards training. The current financial crisis is increasing
pressure on resources and generating cuts in support programmes. There is a
need to build up an evidence base detailing which policies work. A number of specific
initiatives which are proving successful in some countries and which could be adopted
elsewhere include mentoring schemes, social support networks, diversity and
gender consultants. Special training for service providers can raise awareness of
the challenges facing immigrants and is good practice. The diversity in
immigration levels means a variety of approaches across the EU are justified.
The
pupils are enrolled in a 36 week, full-time, pre-nursing assistant’ course and
since Norway has a labour shortage in the nursing sector, providing focused
training for immigrants wishing to pursue a career in nursing is a win-win
strategy. The students improve their language skills; they learn technical
language and professional skills.
Meeting
pupils who were taking the course, such as Semer, 25, who is from Eritrea,
showed that the course has succeeded in providing practical help; she said she
was less daunted about starting work: “Now I know what to expect from the first
day”.
Shane,
31, from the Philippines says “I chose to enter this course because it is an
excellent step towards getting work… You are better prepared – you know how to
handle situations. I’m confident I will be able to find work afterwards.”
Coming
from a different working culture immigrants may find entering professional life
in Norway hard. For example, gender equality and an egalitarian social
structure can seem threatening or confusing if Norway’s customs have not been
explained in advance.
Deputy Head Aud
Grethe Blaker, said that at least nine out of ten participants succeed in
getting into employment or further education after the course.Lessons learned
