Introduction programme for immigrants, 2005

Figures reported from the municipalities accounts show a national total gross operating expenditure of NOK 705 million.

Participation in the programme was relatively evenly spread out over the counties, population taken into account, with a few more in Northern Norway and a few less in the Oslo-area. The highest number of participants was in Oslo, followed by Bergen, Kristiansand and Trondheim.

Most men from Afghanistan

The highest number of participants came from Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Russia. Among these Afghanistan had the highest share of men (70 per cent) and Iraq the highest share of women (59 percent).

Participation in the introduction program is a right, and is mandatory for new immigrants aged 18 to 55. There are few participants in the higher age groups. Most are between 26 and 35 years old. The female share decreases with age.

Stable participation

Almost three quarters of persons in the program during 2005 where still in the program at the end of the year. 15 percent left because they completed the programme, and 4 percent interrupted because they found a job. Future analysis and evaluation will be based on the status of persons who have completed or left the programme.

The introduction programme consists of several types of courses, the most important being Norwegian with social studies. 90 per cent participated in this course during 2005. 30 per cent participated in the second most attended course which was language practice. Language practice is a component in the language training where the participants spend part of the week in a workplace to get hands-on language practice.

Tables:

• Table 1 Table 1. Participants by country background and sex. 2005.
• Table 2 Table 2. Participants by municipality and sex. Absolute figures and percent. Selected municipalities. 2005.
• Table 3 Table 3. Participants by end of year status and county. 2005.
• Table 4 Table 4. Participants by county and type of course. 2005
• Table 5 Table 5. Participants by country background and year of immigration. 2005