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Compared to the year before, the 1996 survey shows that the population has changed its views in a more immigrant friendly direction on all four questions posed.
All of 70 per cent think that Norway should take in refugees and asylum seekers at at least the same level as today. This is up 14 per cent from last year. At the same time fewer people believe immigrants have too easy access to social assistance (welfare) compared to Norwegians, according to Statistics Norway's annual survey on attitudes towards immigrants and immigration.
The percentage that believe immigrants have too easy access to social assistance compared to Norwegians dropped by 11 per cent to 54 per cent. Furthermore, the share that believe immigrants are more criminal than Norwegians sank four percentage points, to 44 per cent. Eighty-six per cent believe immigrants should have the same opportunity to work as Norwegians, and this is a six per cent increase from last year.
Possible explanations
The main reason for the attitude change is probably the focus in recent months on the government's policy regarding refugees and asylum seekers. What is perceived by many as a restrictive policy on the part of the authorities, may have increased public sympathy towards refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, lower unemployment and an improved economy may have softened opinions.
Urban population most positive
The percentage of the population that thinks immigrants should have the same opportunity to work as Norwegians is slightly higher in the largest cities compared to the rest of the country. This is linked to a certain degree to the fact that educational levels are highest in the largest cities. Belief in the law-abidingness of immigrants is, however, greater in Northern Norway than in other parts of the country.