Caritas asks politicians in the Storting to prioritize larger and more long-term allocations for integration work in Norway.

As a civil society organization, Caritas Norway has two main goals: assisting those in need in society, and assisting the state and public sector to become even better. This involves both operational assistance to immigrants in vulnerable situations, and the role of spokespersons towards public actors.

At the hearing in the Storting's Local Government and Public Administration Committee, department head Herdis Nundal and unit head Kari Hurum spoke for us ( 12:30 minutes into the hearing ).

Door opener and bridge builder

Many of our users experience that public services are not accessible to them. We therefore offer drop-in guidance services. We provide assistance to people who have challenges with the Norwegian language, social understanding and digital knowledge. And with this, we contribute as door openers and bridge builders to public services.

In 2023, we had over 60,000 visits to our resource centers in nine Norwegian cities, offering guidance in 29 different languages. This is a resource we are happy to share with the public sector.

Unsustainable schemes

It is positive that there is an increased focus on civil society as a supplement to public services. And that several evaluations have been made that show positive results of various grant schemes and the cooperation between the public and civil society. Despite this, in our opinion, too little is invested in these grant schemes. There is still a clear preponderance of short-term allocations and small grant amounts.

While we are experiencing high expectations for increased results, the subsidy schemes are not being increased. This practice is not sustainable.

Norwegian language training

Knowledge of Norwegian is important for success in work and social life. In the hearing in the Municipal and Administrative Committee, we therefore urged politicians to legislate the right to Norwegian language training for immigrant workers. 

It is good that the subsidy for B1 and B2 levels is continued, but it is incomprehensible that lower course levels are not included in the same scheme.  

Our experience is that the lack of such an offer makes it more difficult for those concerned to be integrated.