A rightward shift is taking place among the public. In 2023, 9 per cent were sceptical about accepting refugees and asylum seekers. Now the figure is 32 per cent. It is a dramatic change that politicians are obliged to take note of.

Thirty-two per cent is on a par with support for the Progress Party (FrP). If the other parties do not take public opinion seriously, FrP will continue to rise.

The figures are based on a survey by Statistics Norway (SSB).

NTB takes comfort from the fact that half the population believes the current system works and should continue.

Although there has been an increase in the proportion who believe it should become more difficult for refugees and asylum seekers to obtain residence in Norway, around half believe things should remain as they are today. This continues to be the most common view among the population, just as it has been throughout the past 16 years.

The centre is leaking to the right, and on the left there are few who want it to become easier to obtain asylum. Here, too, there has been a remarkable change in just three years: in 2023, as many as 22 per cent believed it should become easier to gain entry to Norway.

“A small proportion, 7 per cent, believe that it should become easier for refugees and asylum seekers to obtain residence in Norway. In 2023, 22 per cent believed it should become easier, representing a decline of 15 percentage points in two years,” says SSB adviser Erling Kvalø.

More men than women are sceptical about accepting refugees and asylum seekers. As many as 42 per cent of men express this view, according to SSB’s figures. (NTB)

It would be interesting to see a gradation of the opposition – whether some are moving in the direction of remigration, for example.

Adviser Erling Kvalø moves in the opposite direction. He emphasises how many believe immigrants represent a cultural enrichment and that they contribute economically.

Nevertheless, 73 per cent agree that immigrants generally enrich cultural life in Norway. Here too, women are more positive than men, with 80 per cent among women compared with 65 per cent among men.

“We see clear differences between men’s and women’s attitudes towards immigrants,” says Kvalø.

Eighty-nine per cent agree that immigrants should have the same opportunities for employment as Norwegians, while only 5 per cent disagree.

Sixty-eight per cent believe immigrants contribute positively to the Norwegian economy. (NTB)