Language is the key to integration. That's why we hope politicians listen to the committee that in NOU 2022:18 proposes a statutory right to Norwegian language training for labor immigrants. Here are six good reasons why.

1. Firstly, migrant workers are a very important group in meeting the need for employment in this country. However, they are not entitled to free Norwegian language training in the same way as other immigrant groups. Lack of Norwegian language skills may explain why many feel little sense of belonging in society, do not participate in voluntary work or get involved in politics. Trust in the authorities is also often low. Learning the language will increase interest in joining a trade union, registering with the National Registry and staying in the country for a long time.
2. Secondly, migrant workers are a resource and we must facilitate better and faster integration. A statutory right to training in Norwegian and social studies will be an important measure for a more comprehensive integration policy. It would also be in line with Norwegian values such as equal treatment, equality and inclusion.
3. Thirdly, migrant workers generally have poorer pay and working conditions compared with the rest of the population. This makes this group particularly vulnerable to exploitation, wage theft and discrimination. In 2022, our lawyers uncovered more than 200 cases of exploitation. The people we help have in common a lack of Norwegian language skills and little insight into their rights, and the advantage of being unionized.
4. Fourthly, statutory education will also benefit the children of migrant workers. They will integrate more quickly and do better at school. In addition, research shows that language skills are important in preventing poverty. Among children growing up in low-income families in Norway 6 out of 10 have an immigrant background.
5. Fifth, research shows that migrant workers from Eastern Europe tend to end up in their own segregated work environments - along with other compatriots - and remain in temporary positions. Little Norwegian is spoken in such environments and the chances of integration diminish over time. By legislating the right to Norwegian language training and making it possible for employers to run courses for their employees, this will benefit both the individual and society.
6. Sixthly, learning Norwegian will be positive for the individual's health and quality of life. The opposite happens in a situation characterized by temporariness, short-termism, poor working and living conditions, exclusion and lack of access to welfare services. Language is the key to integration and good health. We have been calling for a boost for migrant workers for years. Now we are asking politicians to listen to the proposals of the Committee on Immigrant Workers in NOU 2022:18 to enshrine in law the right to Norwegian language training for this group. It will pay off in both the short and long term.