Norway increases funding for Ukrainian refugees
The Norwegian government will increase the amount of funding for the needs of refugees from Ukraine.
The Local reports that Norway expects the number of asylum seekers to be higher than initial estimates. The government will set aside more money for refugees in the new budget for 2023, which will be published at the end of May.
"We have issued a request to the municipalities to settle a total of 35,000 refugees in 2023. But the latest forecasts we have seen show that there may be even more. That is why we need to resettle more refugees," said Minister for Labour and Inclusion Marte Mjøs Persen.
According to the new forecast, up to 43,000 refugees may arrive in Norway. The government proposes to increase funding in several regions. Municipalities will receive an additional Kr 50,000 (about €4,200) for each resettled refugee.
By the end of 2024, it is expected to cost the country Kr 200 million crowns (up to €17 million). This money will add to local authorities' funding for housing refugees. In addition, funds will be allocated for Norwegian language training for refugees. Kr 459 million (over 38 million euros) will be given for this until the end of 2024.
According to Norwegian government figures, Norway has accepted over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees so far this year. The non-EU country expects to take in a similar number in 2023.
