Norwegians’ attitudes to immigration to Norway.

Immigration policy in Norway is second to none.

Astonishing figures have recently come to light, with details about the average Norwegians’ attitudes to immigration to Norway. Over 45 per cent of the population think that immigrants are a source of insecurity in their country. About 52 per cent mean it should be a lot more difficult to acquire a residence permit in Norway.

Along with many other West European countries, Norway imposed a ban on immigrants to their country in 1975. Unemployment was on the rise, economy had deteriorated so there was no longer a need for unskilled workers. Never the less, immigrants from these countries continued into the 1970s and 80s

Many of them started arriving in Norway in the 1980s and 90s too. This was not regarded as imported labour but as human rights. The immigrants of this period were mainly political refugees, coming from countries like Chile, Sri Lanka, Iran, Somalia, Vietnam, Turkish Kurdistan, and the former Yugoslavia.

Today, things have changed a little, people from EEA countries can apply and usually get a work permit and residence permit to stay in Norway. Specialists that Norway needs can also get work permits quite easily. People who have to flee war and torture can also apply for asylum in Norway.

Many Norwegians I have spoken to have complained that the language problem, especially in the medical professions, is something the authorities should consider more seriously.

These people feel that immigrants entering the medical fields or professions, where they have to communicate with ordinary citizens, ought to be able to communicate in the Norwegian language and not expect everybody to understand English.

A leading Norwegian psychiatrist said some time ago that immigrants to Norway should be forced to learn the Norwegian language and I agree, but I believe today they have to attend language courses to help them obtain employment.

The majority of elderly people here do not speak or understand English, so a visit to hospital to see a specialist from, for example India, can be an embarrassing experience if the doctor is new to Norway.

Immigrants expect to be able to take their cultures and traditions here to Norway,(I agree with this) So surely they should be willing to learn the Norwegian language.

From what I have seen and heard in the district where I live, most of the immigrants understand that in order to get a decent job it is a good idea to learn Norwegian.

Islam is the largest minority religion in Norway. In 2007, government statistics registered over 79,000 members of Islamic congregations in Norway. The vast majority have immigrant background, with Norwegians of Pakistani descent being the most visible and well-known group.

Immigration and home