Municipalities report the initial resettlement capacity of around 22 refugees in 000. This is shown by a study by the Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi).
The management asked all municipalities in the country to inquire about the increased influx refugees from Ukraine. Norwegian municipalities were initially expected to settle around 5500 refugees this year. This was before war in Ukraine. Now the situation has changed and the needs are much greater than what IMDi and the municipalities planned.
High capacity and good response
On March 4, we sent an information letter and a request to all municipalities in the country to investigate the possibilities and availability of municipalities for the settlement and integration of refugees and how quickly they will be able to settle refugees in their municipality. 298 communes responded to the IMDi questionnaire. This is a high response rate given the short deadline. Responding municipalities report resettlement capacity of around 22 refugees in 000.
- I am very happy with the positive signals coming from the Norwegian municipalities - says the director of IMDi, Libe Rieber-Mohn.
Expects further good cooperation and dialogue with municipalities
- Feedback shows that in this unusual situation there is a tremendous willingness to contribute. This applies to both large and small municipalities. Municipalities that have not settled refugees in recent years are also responding that they want to build their own structure to be able to receive refugees, says Libe Rieber-Mohn.
Municipalities want to contribute to the settlement and integration of refugees
Responses are largely based on municipalities' estimates of their own capacities. The final figure has to be processed in the municipalities and the actual capacity also depends on the housing available. Municipalities report that these factors will affect how quickly municipalities can settle refugees.
- It is very positive that the municipalities want to contribute to the settlement and integration of refugees who receive protection in Norway. What refugees need most is to settle quickly in the local community, acquire job and education qualifications, and participate in communities large and small, concludes Rieber-Mohn.
Pictured: Libe Rieber-Mohn, director of IMDi
Source: Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi)
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