The vast majority of new jobs in Norway last year were taken by immigrants, according to the state statistics bureau SSB. Nearly three-quarters of the 38,000 jobs created went to people who have moved to and settled in Norway, while most of the rest were taken by foreigners with short-term permits to work in the country.
In response to the figures, the Norwegian Federation of Trade Unions (Landsorganisasjonen, LO) said it was surprised they were so high, and acknowledged that most of Norway’s employment growth last year was down to immigration.
LO used the statistics to work out that Norway’s annual net immigration is now around one per cent of the population – the highest percentage in Europe.
The rise in immigrants moving to the Scandinavian country began in 2004, when the EU accepted membership bids from a number of Central and Eastern European countries. Although Norway is not a member, the European Economic Area treaty states that immigrants from EU and EEA countries are permitted to work there.
In low-paying jobs such as cleaning or temporary work, over 50 per cent of the positions are filled by immigrants. Meanwhile in the building sector, one in five positions is taken by an immigrant. Furthermore, LO found there has been a steady decline in the number of Norwegians working in industries such as retail, hotels and restaurants, while there are a greater number of immigrants in these roles.
LO economist Liv Sannes said that with so many jobs being taken by immigrants, there is greater pressure on young workers, low-skilled workers and people with health problems.