Unrealistically high demand for Norwegian knowledge for citizenship

Many will never meet the new Norwegian requirement for citizenship, according to NRK, who provide language training for refugees and immigrants.

There are four levels of the national immigration test for immigrants: A1, A2, B1 and B2. In Norway, the requirement for citizenship to date has been A2. In the proposal for a new integration law, the government tightens the requirement for oral B1, which is the second highest level:

“The person can understand the main points of clear text and talk about familiar topics that one often encounters in connection with work, school and leisure. Can handle most situations that can occur and can write simple texts on familiar topics, and briefly explain and justify opinions and plans.”

Head of Department at the Introduction Center in Drammen, Inger Gjønnes tells NRK that their experience over many years is that a very large proportion will never pass B1, even though they are both motivated and working hard,

It is a surprisingly high level, and a level very many will have trouble achieving, says Gjønnes.

For people with good education, and people who are used to acquiring new knowledge, this is manageable, although it is demanding. But many may have little or no schooling before, and some are even illiterate, she says.

Minister of Education and Integration Jan Tore Sanner (H) stands firm on the requirement of oral B1 for Norwegian citizenship.

Norwegian is the key to integration and work in Norway, and here we have to make demands. In many jobs, requirements are set for B1, so it is not unreasonable to make this requirement, he says.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today