Norway launched an integration programme in 2004, which is compulsory for all refugees. The programme focuses on integration through basic skills training. The programme has had about 10,000 participants during the two years and is reported to be very successful.

The introductory system is designed to make it easier for newly arrived refugees to integrate more quickly into Norwegian society. All local authorities receiving refugees are obliged to offer the introductory programme. Participation in the local authority introductory programme is compulsory for the refugees. The programme is intended to provide basic skills in the Norwegian language and to promote an understanding of Norwegian community life. It is also important to prepare the participants for active employment and motivate them to seek training. The system requires close cooperation between the local authority and the National Employment Service.

A press release only recently issued by the department responsible for the system: the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi), states that a good 53% of the participants are in work or training by the end of the introductory programme. In some local authorities with the highest immigrant populations the figure is even higher. In the course of these two years around 10,000 immigrants have completed the programme.

"To have over half of newly arrived immigrants going into work or training is a really good result. The Introduction Act is new and the programme offered is still in its development stage. The people taking part in the introductory programme are refugees and their families and not economic migrants. Many of the participants are also illiterate or have had very little formal education," says the IMDi director, Osmund Kaldheim.

Quo Vadis is a work-oriented centre specialising in work motivation and Norwegian language training for immigrant women in Oslo. The centre´s director, Torild Løfwander, says that in his view, the work motivation is the most important aspect of the introductory programme.
"The language is important, but not the first priority. Capable workers can get jobs even if they don´t speak very good Norwegian".

Faisa Reza is an Iranian woman who works in the kitchen at Quo Vadis. "Here in the kitchen we speak Norwegian, as it´s the only common language we have," she says.

Fact panel: Facts about the introductory programme:

Came into force on 1st September 2004

• Compulsory for refugees aged between 18 and 55 who lack basic qualifications.
• The system is intended to help newly arrived refugees integrate faster and more easily. This is achieved through education in basic skills
• Every person taking part works out an individual plan, setting out how the programme is to be accomplished and receives a personal follow up.
• Includes Norwegian language training designed to suit individual requirements and education on Norwegian society, language and working practice to provide the qualifications for training and finding work.
• Lasts up to 2 years. May be extended to 3 years if there is a special need. The weekly participation is equivalent to a normal Norwegian working week of 37.5 hours.
• A benefit of approximately 125,000.-- Norwegian kroner will be paid to all participants and is not means tested. The benefit system encourages women to take part in the programme. Other paid work apart from this is permitted.
• All local authorities receiving refugees are obliged to offer this programme.

Source: IMDi