According to the survey of Statistics Norway, 73 percent of the population now believe that immigrants contribute to the enrichment of Norwegian culture. This is a 10% increase from 2002 when 63 percent felt the same, writes newspaper Vårt Land.
Moreover, the figures show that eight out of ten believe that immigrants make an important contribution in the workplace. Ten years ago, this number was 6 out of ten. On the other hand, 33 percent believe immigrants are a source of insecurity in society. This shows a decrease from 45 percent in 2002.
Also, 32 percent of the population believes immigrants abuse the country’s social welfare system with about 10 percent decrease from 2002. Four out of ten believed in 2002 that it would be uncomfortable if they had a son or daughter who would marry an immigrant. Now only every four Norwegians think the same.
More immigrant friends
The statistics also show that 27 percent of the population in 2002 had friends and acquaintances who were immigrants. This number has increased to 35 percent in 2013.
Similarly, a new study conducted for Bergen Municipality shows that 96 percent of Norwegians in Bergen city are positive or neutral to have immigrants in the neighborhood. Eight out of ten believe immigrants are an enrichment for the society.
About Immigrants in Norway
The immigrant population in Norway is approximately 710 465 persons, almost 15% of all population. The number includes immigrants and children born in Norway to two immigrant parents. The five largest immigrant groups in Norway are in turn Polish, Swedish, Pakistani, Somali and Iraqi.
Due to Norway’s membership in the European Economic Area, migrants from the European Union as well as Iceland and Liechtenstein do not require any residency permits.
At the beginning of 1992, immigrants and Norwegian-born to immigrant parents totalled 183,000 persons, or 4.3 per cent of Norway’s population. Twenty years later, at the beginning of 2012, these groups had risen to 710 465 persons or 14.1 per cent of the population.
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