SSB: Norwegians’ attitudes towards immigration are becoming increasingly positive

Norwegians’ attitudes towards immigration are becoming increasingly positive. According to Statistics Norway (SSB), the proportion of Norwegians who believe it should be easier to stay in Norway is increasing.

In addition, fewer people see immigrants as a source of insecurity, and more have become positive about labor immigration, according to a new survey from the SSB.

Since 2002, attitudes towards immigrants and immigration have become increasingly positive. After the increased influx of asylum seekers in the autumn of 2015, somewhat more negative attitudes were measured, but after that, the trend has reversed again – also in this year’s survey.

“At the same time as more positive attitudes are expressed, we see that there has been more contact with immigrants. Most people who are in contact with immigrants state that they mainly have positive experiences,” senior adviser at the SSB Frøydis Strøm stated.

Not a source of insecurity

In this year’s survey, fewer people than ever stated that they see immigrants as a threat to the security of society. Seven out of ten people stated that they do not see most immigrants as a source of insecurity.

17% of those surveyed said they see immigrants as a threat, a decrease of 3% from last year.

As a result of entry restrictions during the pandemic, it has become more difficult for refugees and asylum seekers to travel across national borders.

Since 2019, the proportion of those who believe it should be easier to stay in Norway has increased. In the survey, 20% of respondents answered that it should be easier to stay. In 2020, the proportion was 17%. On the other hand, 16% of respondents think it should be more difficult. Last year, the proportion was 20%. 

Labor immigration

There have been strict entry restrictions during the pandemic to limit cross-border corona infection. 59% of those surveyed have not become more skeptical of labor immigration during the pandemic.

Eight out of ten agree that most immigrants make a useful contribution to Norwegian working life, and seven out of ten believe that labor immigration from countries outside the Nordic region mostly contributes positively to the Norwegian economy.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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