Introduction programme for immigrants, 2007

Figures reported from the municipalities’ accounts show a national total gross operating expenditure of NOK 870 million in 2007. This was an increase of 2 percent from NOK 850 million in 2006.

Largest increase from Burma

In 2007 the highest number of participants came from Somalia, Russia, Burma, Iraq and Afghanistan. These five countries had more than half of all the participants. Burma had the highest proportion of men, Iraq the highest proportion of women. Burma saw the highest increase from 2006, Afghanistan the largest decrease. This reflects the underlying flow of refugees to Norway.

Participation in the introduction programme 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 proportion of women decreases with age.

Participants in the programme as a share of the total number of immigrants in a certain year, gives an estimate of the degree of participation. For immigrants settled in Norway during 2006, the highest degree of participation in 2007 was among those from Burma, Congo and Burundi. This reflects a high proportion of refugees from these countries.

Many stay in the programme

62 per cent of the participants in 2007 were still in the programme at the end of the year. 21 per cent completed the full duration of the programme, while 8 per cent completed early to transfer to work or education.

Norwegian most important course

The introduction programme consists of several types of schemes or courses, the most important being Norwegian with social studies. 87 per cent participated in this course during 2007. 32 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 Participants by country of birth and sex. 2007
• Table 2 Participants by municipality and sex. Absolute figures and percent. Selected municipalities. 2007
• Table 3 Participants by end of year status and county. 2007
• Table 4 Participants by county and type of course. 2007
• Table 5 Participants by country of birth and year of immigration. 2007
• Table 6 Participants by end of year status. 2005-2007