In connection with the Storting's consideration of the national budget, we advocate greater investment in preventive information work and language training for immigrants.

A lack of Norwegian language skills has major individual and societal costs. It makes it more difficult to participate fully in working life and society, and makes some people particularly vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace. It is positive that the government proposes to continue the Norwegian language training scheme with an increased allocation for next year. However, the need for free and flexible Norwegian language training is far greater than what the current scheme is able to cover. We therefore hope that the Storting will increase the allocation further in the revised national budget. In the long term, we believe that the scheme should become permanent and statutory.

Over 200 exploitation cases

Caritas In 2021, Norway received more than 15,000 enquiries to our resource centers. We find that migrant workers from Poland and other EEA countries are particularly vulnerable to social dumping, unfair working conditions and often have limited access to welfare services. Last year, we uncovered more than 200 cases of exploitation. One thing they had in common was a lack of Norwegian language skills. That's why we miss concrete language-related measures in the government's new action plan against social dumping and labor market crime. The plan states that the government will ensure good training in language, social skills and safety for foreign workers and refugees so that they are able to safeguard their obligations and rights in working life.

Preventive information work

This is not adequately followed up in the state budget proposal. Although more money has been set aside for Norwegian language training for immigrants next year, this is not commensurate with the challenges and needs. Nor do we see any specific focus on information work to prevent exploitation in the workplace. We therefore request that the national budget for 2023 includes earmarked funds for preventive information work, and that the Norwegian language training scheme is further strengthened.

Hoping for a breakthrough

In addition, we urged the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs to allocate earmarked resources to civil society in connection with the action plan against social dumping and labor market crime. The non-profit sector will and can play an important role in preventive work, by disseminating information and following up vulnerable groups. When meeting immigrants, we find that a disturbing number speak little Norwegian, have a limited understanding of the Norwegian system and lack the network to demand their rights and participate on equal terms in working life and society. This is despite the fact that many have lived and worked here for years.

Language skills are key to integration, and important for building trust between foreign workers and the authorities. But also to increase understanding of Norwegian working life and the importance of being unionized. This in turn will lower the threshold for those who are exploited to report to the authorities and control agencies. We hope for a language boost for immigrants in the revised national budget.