Immigrants by reason for immigration, 1 January 2009

Labour immigration has been the most common reason for immigration since 2006. A total of 23 200 labour immigrants came in 2008, the highest number ever. Family immigration was also record high, with 16 800 persons. A total of 4 300 came due to flight, most from Iraq and Eritrea, with 700 from each of these. A total of 4 100 persons came to study in Norway.

Labour immigration from the new EU countries in Eastern Europe

Two thirds of the 23 200 labour immigrants in 2008 came from the new EU countries in Eastern Europe, and two thirds of these came from Poland. In total, 91 300 persons have immigrated to Norway because of labour since 1990, and nearly half of them came from the countries mentioned in Eastern Europe. Only 12 100 of the labour immigrants emigrated from countries outside of Europe in this period.

Rising family immigration

While 91 per cent of the labour immigrants in 2008 emigrated from Europe, half of the family immigrants were from countries outside of Europe. A quarter, in total 4 500, came from Asia and 1 800 from Africa. Of those family immigrants, 2 800 came to a person who himself immigrated due to flight.

Family the most common reason for immigration

In the period between 1990 and 2008, family was the most common reason for immigration. Family immigrants make up the largest group, with a total of 40 per cent. Those who immigrated because of labour and flight make up 24 per cent each, and students 11 per cent. Three out of four of those who immigrated in the period 1990-2008 are still resident in Norway.

Tables:

• Table 1 Immigrations, by reason for immigration, year of immigration and citizenship. 1990-2008
• Table 2 Immigrations, by reason for immigration and citizenship. 1990-2008
• Table 3 Immigrations, by reason for immigration and citizenship. 2008
• Table 4 Immigrations, by reason for immigration, year of immigration and immigrants still resident on 1 January 2009. 1990-2008. Absolute numbers and per cent.
• Table 5 Immigrants with family as reason for immigration, by type of family unification, immigrant category of reference person and citizenship. 2008 and 1990-2008
• Table 6 Family immigrations, by type of family unification, immigration category of reference person, year of immigration and citizenship. 2008
• Table 7 Immigrations, by reason for immigration, sex and age. 1990-2008