Based on Samfunnskunnskapsprøven syllabus. Here are the key points from topic: New Immigrant in Norway
Different grounds of residence
- Foreign nationals who want to settle in Norway need legal grounds for residence and a residence permit.
- Different types of residence permits confer different rights and obligations.
- Everyone living in Norway has a duty to familiarize themselves with the country’s laws and regulations.
- It is important to provide correct information to public authorities when requested.
- In Norway, children have the right to attend school, and all inhabitants have the right to hospital treatment.
- People with jobs in Norway are required to pay taxes and provide correct information on their income tax forms.
- The Norwegian system is based on trust, but spot checks are carried out to ensure compliance.
- Cheating the system can result in fines, imprisonment, community service, or other measures.
- There are different types of residence permits for foreign nationals in Norway.
- EU/EEA/EFTA citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit, but they do need to register.
- Refugees can apply for protection in Norway if they are persecuted or fear persecution or inhuman treatment in their home country.
- Family members of Norwegian residents can apply for a family immigration permit, but there are requirements for the sponsor.
- Victims of violence or abuse in a marriage or cohabitation relationship, forced marriage, or who cannot return to their home country can be granted a residence permit on an independent basis.
- There are different types of work/residence permits for foreigners wanting to work in Norway.
- The authorities decide who is granted a residence permit and who is not.
- It is the responsibility of individuals to make sure they have a valid residence permit for the country they live in and to renew it when necessary.
Training in Norwegian and social studies
- Refugees, people granted residence on humanitarian grounds, people granted collective protection, family members reunited with persons in one of the above-mentioned groups, family members reunited with Norwegian or Nordic nationals, and family members reunited with persons who have been granted a permanent residence permit have a right and an obligation to participate in free Norwegian language and social studies tuition..
- The Introduction Act applies to people who were granted a residence permit before 31 December 2020. Pursuant to the Introduction Act, only persons in the age group 16–67 have a right and an obligation to participate in Norwegian language tuition.
- For those covered by the Introduction Act, this right means that the tuition is free, and the obligation means that these people must complete 600 hours of tuition in order to be granted permanent residence (or citizenship). Of these 600 hours, 50 hours shall consist of tuition in social studies in a language that the participants understand. It is also possible to be granted additional free Norwegian language tuition. The municipality allocates additional hours as needed, but they must not exceed 3,000 hours in total.
- Some immigrants are not entitled to free tuition, but have an obligation to complete tuition. Those covered by the tuition obligation under the Introduction Act are obliged to complete 300 hours of tuition in the Norwegian language and social studies in order to qualify for a permanent residence permit.
- A new act of law called the Integration Act entered into force on 1 January 2021. Pursuant to the Act, only persons aged 18 to 67 have a right and an obligation to participate in Norwegian language tuition. Participants covered by the Integration Act have a right and an obligation to achieve a minimum level of Norwegian language skills, which is determined based on their level of education. As a rule, Norwegian language tuition cannot last longer than three years. For people who come to Norway who have already taken upper secondary or higher education, the tuition cannot last longer than 18 months.
- Immigrants who are covered by the tuition obligation under the Integration Act are obliged to achieve a minimum level of Norwegian language skills, or to take 300 hours of tuition in the Norwegian language and social studies. For participants who come to Norway on 1 January 2022 or later, 75 of these hours must be tuition in social studies. This applies to labour immigrants from countries outside the EEA/EFTA area and people who come to Norway as a result of family reunification with labor immigrants from countries outside the EEA/EFTA area.
- Students, au-pairs and other persons with temporary residence, Nordic nationals, and persons who are resident pursuant to the EFTA/EEA rules are neither entitled nor obliged to participate in free Norwegian language and social studies tuition.
- Most municipalities offer Norwegian language courses, and there are several private course providers. Some immigrants get free Norwegian language courses paid for by the municipality, while others have to pay for such courses, depending on their type of residence permit.
Introductory program
- An introduction programme has been introduced to improve newly arrived immigrants’ opportunities in Norway.
- The programme is intended to give newly arrived immigrants an introduction to Norwegian society, and the municipalities are responsible for implementing it.
- The introduction programme is intended to improve immigrants’ opportunities to participate in the Norwegian labour market and society.
- The goal of the programme is to help immigrants to be independent.
- Refugees, people granted residence on humanitarian grounds, family members reunited with someone from the two groups above, and persons who have been granted a residence permit on an independent basis because of violence or abuse have a right and an obligation to participate in the introduction programme.
- The Introduction Programme aims to strengthen immigrants’ participation in employment and society, financial independence, provide basic skills in the Norwegian language, and provide basic insight into Norwegian society.
Various services immigrants can use
- The National Registry: responsible for maintaining a public register of all persons who reside or have resided in Norway, name changes, and issuing personal identity numbers and D numbers
- Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten): responsible for ensuring payment of direct and indirect taxes and providing tax cards
- Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav): responsible for providing a range of different services such as child benefit, cash-for-care benefit, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, disability benefit, pensions, and offering services to unemployed people
- The right to interpreter services: immigrants have a right to use an interpreter until they have learnt sufficient Norwegian, and public sector employees have a duty to ensure that the information and guidance they provide is understood.
Participation in working and social life
- Learning Norwegian is important for newcomers to settle in and feel a sense of belonging in Norwegian society.
- Norwegian language courses and exposure to situations where language skills can be practiced are beneficial for learning Norwegian.
- Language practice placement in a workplace is available to practice language skills and make contacts in the employment community.
- Actively pursuing employment, learning the language, and gaining work experience are important for finding a job in Norway.
- Traineeships are organized by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (NAV) for newcomers in a company.
- Qualifications from another country can be recognized in Norway, and more information can be found at www.nokut.no.
- Participating in volunteer organizations, sports associations, political and religious organizations can be a good way to become acquainted with others and practice language skills.
- Parents can connect with other parents by participating in their children’s activities and attending parents’ meetings.
- The language practice in a work context program provides language training, valuable work experience, useful references, and networking opportunities.
- Children’s after-school activities can provide opportunities to meet new people and practice language skills.
