Expatriates, stay here!

Photo : D.R.

Whilst the Norwegian unemployment rate is steady at barely 2%, the country faces a big problem whereby qualified foreign workers slip away too quickly, due to considerable difficulties in adapting to the country. And according to the Oslo Chamber of Commerce, 90% of qualified foreign workers attracted to Norway feel “lost” once there. Fairly surprising figures when the United Nations ranks Norway as one of the world’s most liveable countries.
Winner of the title “Best Unconventional Project” awarded in Kuala Lumpur during the 6th World Chambers Federation Congress in June this year, the International Network of Norway (INN) project launched in 2005 by the Chamber aims precisely at retaining this qualified workforce. The service is composed of two branches: firstly, relocation, which takes care of moving, looking for new housing and access to equipment; secondly, support for expatriates allowing qualified workers to resolve problems inherent to their new environment. And these problems may be numerous. They notably include the fact of arriving alone in the country and that of adapting to a new business culture. It would seem that expatriates also encounter problems in accessing bank facilities. “They feel isolated,” the Chamber is told, “and they have a fairly limited social network.” Another major problem is that “spouses accompanying foreign workers have trouble finding work”.
As a remedy to these shortcomings, the INN offers expatriates an opportunity for dialogue via an online forum, a sort of “bible for expats”, bimonthly newsletters and human resources workshops. As well as a helping hand for the spouse’s career. On top of this, the INN programme undertakes lobbying activities before banks and immigration services to help cut tim for document processing. Since its launch three years ago, the project has won followers. No less than eight Norwegian Chambers have adopted the programme.

Oslo Chamber of Commerce: www.oslohandelskammer.no