Norway is experiencing a historically record number of refugees from Ukraine entering its labour market this year.
According to a recent statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Inclusion, about 8,000 Ukrainians are expected to complete the government’s initial program for entering the labour market this year. Among this group, a minimum of half are expected to transition smoothly into paid employment.
Based on government projections, starting in May, a dedicated task force established by the Norwegian government has come up with several ways to increase the smooth assimilation of Ukrainian refugees into the national workforce.
“Work is important for the individual and the community and is the key to good integration. Today, there is a great need for labour in Norway. Cooperation with the parties in working life is absolutely crucial to getting more Ukrainian refugees into work,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre pointed out in this regard.
In addition, the Minister for Employment and Inclusion, Marte Mjøs Persen, emphasised that the report contains several specific and commendable recommendations to increase the efficiency and adapted nature of the integration process.
Minister Persen also stated that some of these proposals will be embraced through a collaborative effort involving the Directorate of Integration and Diversity, NAV (Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration), municipalities, and relevant stakeholders in the labour sector.
She also added that the common goal is to achieve an even greater proportion of successful workforce integration.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February of last year, Norway has been among the countries that have supported Ukraine by sheltering a significant number of refugees.
In June of this year, the government revealed that over 14,000 refugees have taken up residence within various municipalities across Norway during the first half of the current year.
Based on this data, as of February 2022, the number of Ukrainian refugees seeking asylum in Norway has now exceeded 40,000.
The Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi) has officially called on all municipalities to actively participate in the resettlement process of 38,000 refugees this year.
The government also pointed out that the regions of Viken and Vestland have emerged as focal points for most refugee resettlement activities. At the same time, metropolitan centres such as Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger may house the highest absolute population figures.
