Posted on June 17 2011
Norwegian labour shortage favours foreigners
By , Editor
Updated April 03 2023
Desk
Public officials predict Norway will need hundreds of thousands of foreign personnel l vacancies in the Norwegian job market up to 2014.
“The Norwegian economy is fuelling a broad increase in demand. I expect growth will be strongest in the private sector. Investments in the oil industry, commercial and private property, hydropower, and to certain degree industry will contribute to this,” Hans Henrik Scheel, head of Statistics Norway (SSB), tells Aftenposten.
SSB estimates there will be 220,000 new jobs available over the next three years, with most of them filled by increased labour immigration.
Despite earlier reports of discrimination leading to higher immigrant unemployment, foreigners passed over in favour of Norwegian workers, the trend seems to be in reversal in certain sectors.
Both SSB and the Norwegian Central Bank believe 45,000 foreigners per year will move to Norway between now and 2014.
A report delivered to the Ministry of Children, Equality, and Social Inclusion yesterday shows good jobs and language skills are keys to better integration of more immigrants, rather than high concentrations of foreigners living in one area.
The government committee’s mandate was to assess how the integration process works amongst immigrants, and to suggest improvements. It has already made concrete proposals in many areas, including work, education, democracy and community participation.
So far, the Commission has documented that the majority of immigrants are well integrated into Norwegian society, but at the same time revealing that a group of 125,000 immigrants are currently living on persistently low incomes.
The commission believes it is important to implement change now to stop children suffering similar difficulties to their parents in the future.
“We propose higher ambitions for better integration,” said Committee Chairman Osmund Kaldheim.
Mr. Kaldheim also stated that current problems are being caused by immigrants either serving too little in their local communities, or not having the right skills to acquire jobs. The particular challenge is that many child immigrants do not speak Norwegian well enough when they start school.
It is anticipated these proposals will provide the foundations for new integration policies in Norway. Mr. Kaldheim added that these reforms would provide the basis for a new multicultural society.
The committee hopes to get more people into work in the next ten years by reforming adult education and reviewing current teaching methods. Social equality and tolerance are also to be emphasized in the proposals.
“Integration is all about work, language and gender equality. The Committee gives us the knowledge for how we can create a society in which new groups can develop communities,” said Audun Lysbakken, Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion.
The Committee’s proposals will be circulated during the summer months.
15 June 2011 Michael Sandelson and Jessica Batey
http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/norwegian-labour-shortage-favours-foreigners/
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Can Indians apply for the Sweden Residence Permit?
Can Indians apply for the Sweden Residence Permit?
Can Indians apply for the Sweden Residence Permit?
Yes, Indians can apply for the Sweden Residence permit at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi or online through the official Swedish website. To qualify for a Swedish residence permit, candidates must have a valid reason to stay in the country, such as employment, studies, or as a family member of a Swedish resident. The eligibility and requirements for the Swedish residence permit vary based on your purpose of visit, such as study, work, or family reunification. The Swedish residence permit offers a pathway to permanent residency after a qualifying period of residence in the country.
*Want to apply for a Sweden Residence permit? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
Eligibility requirement for a Sweden Residence permit
The eligibility criteria for a Swedish residence permit vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and the purpose of your travel.
However, the general eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit include the following:
- An original and valid passport
- Submit proof of reason for your stay in Sweden (studies, work, or family reunification)
- Submit proof of stay in Sweden (admission to a university, or a valid job offer)
- Have sufficient funds to support your stay in Sweden
You can apply for a Swedish residence permit for studies, work, or family reunification. Given below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements for each:
Requirements for a Sweden Residence Permit for Studies
The eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit for studies are as follows:
- Must be enrolled in a full-time study course at a Swedish university or college
- Have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Have enough funds to support your living expenses and tuition fees (bank statement, or proof of a valid scholarship)
- Proof of enrolment into a Swedish university (admission letter from the university or fee payment receipt)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copies of your latest passport-sized photographs
- A fully-filled and signed residence permit application
Also, read…
Can a student get PR in Sweden?
Requirements for a Sweden Residence Permit for Work
The eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit for work are as follows:
- A valid passport
- Copy of a written employment contract from a Swedish employer with details highlighting the job title, salary, and duration
- A valid job offer from a Swedish employer
- Have a minimum monthly salary of SEK 29,680
- Have sufficient funds to support your stay in the country
- Proof of accommodation in Sweden (lease or rental agreement)
- Have a valid medical insurance
- Proof of work experience and qualifications, such as a diploma or degree (for skilled job roles)
- Proof of intent to exit the country after the end of the employment contract
*Want to apply for a Sweden Residence permit for work? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.
Steps to apply for a Sweden Residence Permit from India
You can follow the steps below to apply for a Sweden Residence permit from India:
Step 1: Prepare your visa application
- Gather the documents required, along with copies of your most recent passport-sized photographs.
- Pay the tuition fee (if you are a student)
- Keep the digital copies of your documents ready for the next step
Step 2: Apply online
- You can apply online through the official website
- Submit your documents and other requirements
- Complete the fee payment
Step 3: Attend the visa appointment and submit biometrics
- You will need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Swedish consulate or the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi.
- Attend the appointment and provide the biometrics (fingerprints and photographs)
- Pay the application fees (If you are applying offline at the Swedish consulate)
Step 4: Await a decision
- You will now be required to wait for the application to be processed, which may take approximately 2-3 months.
- Upon approval, you will receive a notification via email
Step 5: Get your residence permit
- Upon success, a physical residence permit card will be sent to the consulate from which you applied.
- Collect the card
- Fly to Sweden
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
FAQs
Who can apply for a Sweden Residence Permit from India?
Indians looking to move to Sweden for work or study purposes for over 90 days, as well as those seeking to reunite with their family in Sweden, can apply for a Swedish Residence permit from India. The requirements vary by purpose, but generally include a valid passport, sufficient funds, and submitting the application online through the official website.
What are the eligibility requirements for Indians to get a Sweden Residence Permit?
The eligibility requirements depend on whether you apply for studies, work, or family reunification. A general checklist includes:
- An original and a valid passport
- Valid job offer in Sweden (for work)
- Valid purpose of stay in Sweden (studies, work, or family reunification)
- Proof of admission into a Swedish university (for studies)
- Medical insurance
- Clear criminal record
- Proof of funds: SEK 10,314 per month for students; workers must meet the minimum salary requirements
What types of residence permits are available in Sweden for Indians?
Sweden offers both temporary and permanent residence permits. Common categories include:
- Work permit
- Researcher permit
- Family reunification permit
- Study permit
- Permanent residence
How can Indians apply for a Sweden Residence Permit online?
- Go to the official Swedish website and select “e-service for residence permits.”
- Fill out the online visa application form.
- Arrange and upload the required documents.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule a visa appointment at the nearest Swedish consulate or the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Await a decision.
What documents are required for a Sweden Residence Permit application?
Documents vary by permit type, but generally include:
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Copies of your latest passport-sized photographs
- Sufficient funds or financial resources
- Employment/job contract (if applicable)
- Fee payment receipt
- Medical insurance
- Educational qualifications
- Proof of accommodation in Sweden
- Criminal clearance certificate
How long does it take to process a Sweden Residence Permit for Indians?
Processing typically ranges from 3 to 24 months, depending on the permit type. Study and work permits can take around 3–4 months, while self-employment permits may take up to 24 months. Timelines depend on where you apply, the category, application completeness, and overall volume. After approval, the physical residence permit card may take 2–4 weeks to arrive.
Can Indians work in Sweden with a residence permit?
Yes. You can work in Sweden if you have a residence permit for work (or a separate work permit, as applicable). After living and working in Sweden for a qualifying period, you may be eligible for permanent residence, allowing you to work freely without being tied to a single employer.
What is the cost of applying for a Sweden Residence Permit from India?
The application costs generally range from SEK 750 to SEK 2,200, depending on the permit type. Typical fees include:
| Type of Residence Permit | Applicant Category | Application Fee (in SEK) |
| Work Permit | Main applicant | SEK 2,200 |
| EU Blue Card (Skilled Work) | Main applicant | SEK 2,200 |
| Student Residence Permit | Main applicant | SEK 1,500 |
| Family Residence Permit | Adult applicant | SEK 1,500 |
| Family Residence Permit | Child under 18 years | SEK 750 |
| Researcher Residence Permit | Main applicant | SEK 1,500 |
Fees are indicative and may change; check the official website before applying.
Can family members of Indian applicants also get residence permits in Sweden?
Yes. Spouses/partners and dependent children of the primary applicant can apply for residence permits. Requirements vary based on the primary applicant’s status (worker, student, or person with protected status) and typically include proof of relationship, sufficient funds, and other supporting documentation.
What are the common reasons for Sweden Residence Permit rejection for Indian applicants?
- Insufficient finances or funds
- Incomplete visa application
- Incorrect or missing documents
- Unclear purpose of visit
- Lack of a proper travel itinerary
- Unclear accommodation plans in Sweden
- Lack of sufficient ties to India
- History of visa violations
- Overstaying or deportations
- History of visa rejections
Can Indians apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa?
Can Indians apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa?
Can Indians apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa?
Yes, Indians can apply for a Portugal Job Seeker visa, which has now been replaced with the new Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa, starting October 23, 2025. With this visa, you can enter Portugal and search for employment for a maximum of 120 days. The Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking visa is valid for up to 4 months and can also be extended for an additional 60 days upon eligibility. To qualify for the new Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa, Indian nationals must meet specific requirements, including holding a valid university degree, providing proof of relevant work experience, or demonstrating professional qualifications. You can also convert your skilled work-seeking visa to a work permit if you manage to secure a job in Portugal within the 120+60 days.
*Want to apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa from India?
You can apply for the new skilled work-seeking visa in Portugal if you are a highly skilled professional with specialized skills in fields such as engineering, IT, and health sciences.
The primary criteria for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa include:
- Being a highly qualified and skilled professional with specialized technical skills
- Belong to a sector that is one of the top-priority sectors in Portugal (engineering, IT, health sciences, and hospitality)
- Have advanced educational qualifications (degree)
- Having relevant work experience in specialized or priority sectors
Some of the other general eligibility requirements for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa include:
- Have a valid and original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Sufficient funds to support your stay in Portugal (at least €2,280)
- Have a valid medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Criminal clearance certificate
Note: Applications for the new skilled-work seeking visa are currently not open and will soon be made available.
*Want to work in Portugal? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to assist you with the process.
Steps to apply for the Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa
To apply for the skilled work-seeking visa, you must arrange the documents required, including proof of identity, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and medical insurance. You will then be required to fill out the visa application form, book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy, arrange the necessary documents, complete the biometrics and fee payment process, and wait for a decision from the officials.
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Portugal Skilled work-seeking visa:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa (meeting the criteria)
Step 2: Arrange the documents required for the visa
Step 3: Apply at the nearest Portuguese consulate
Step 4: Await a decision
Step 5: Upon approval, you will get your skilled work-seeking visa
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
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