Recent attitudes towards immigration and integration of migrants in Norwegian society

This paper is aimed at assessing of the development of public opinion in Norway toward immigrants and institutional conditions for their residence in the country and obtaining citizenship. Nordic countries, that received large immigrant populations relatively recently, tend to a model of a multicultural society. The way how Norwegians define their relationship towards immigrants and foreign culture in their country is crucial for determining the Norwegian multicultural approach. Immigrants in Norway become part of the society; they are guaranteed equal opportunities and participate in the labour market. Knowledge of the language, job skills and respect for Norwegian laws and regulations are required from immigrants. Also natives in Norway have to adapt to the emerging multicultural environment and to the cooperation with a new community. Results of public opinion surveys present a very positive relationship of Norwegians towards migrants that may stem from the fact that Norwegians successfully integrate migrants into labour markets and the entire society.