Norway is making new rules to help foreign workers get jobs more easily.
The changes will help refugees find work, let older people join work programs, and give more training opportunities.
According to a YAXIS news report, these new rules will make refugees in special programs do at least 15 hours of work activities each week after three months. This is to help them get ready for jobs faster.
These changes match Norway’s plan to help more foreign workers and meet new job needs. It also aims to help the country’s economy grow stronger.
More Jobs for Foreign Workers
The new rules will make refugees in special programs work at least 15 hours a week after three months.
“This will help refugees start working faster and help Norway’s economy,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Employment and Inclusion.
More Chances for Older Workers
The changes will also let foreign workers aged 55 to 60 join the work programs.
This aims to give older immigrants the chance to work and live in Norway.
“We know older people have valuable experience, so we want to give them a chance to work,” said the employment minister.
Longer Training Programs
The new rules add one more year to the training programs for refugees who are studying. This will include high school and job skills training.
This is to help them get better jobs in the future. “More training time will help refugees get ready for work,” said a representative from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
What You Should Know
These changes are like the ones Norway used to help Ukrainian refugees. Over 27% of working-age Ukrainians found jobs in Norway thanks to these methods.
The government plans to do the same for all foreign workers.
“Helping Ukrainian refugees has shown us that good strategies work,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Employment and Inclusion said.
Reports say Norway has helped over 75,000 refugees in the last three years. But there is still a high need for more workers in the country.
The new rules will help foreign workers get the skills and chances they need. “We must fix our worker shortages by better integrating foreign workers into the economy,” said the minister.
A More Inclusive Workforce
Minister of Employment and Inclusion Tonje Brenna said flexible rules are needed to support these new changes.
The government wants to make it easier for foreign workers to fit into Norwegian society, focusing on learning the language and getting jobs.
“Flexibility will help foreign workers settle in and contribute positively to our society,” Brenna added.
