More than 90 percent of immigrants eligible for citizenship in Norway passed the country’s test last year that measures their knowledge of Norwegian life and society. “We can only congratulate them,” said government minister Tonje Brenna, in charge of education and inclusion.
News bureau NTB reported that of the 5,333 who took the test, fully 91.3 percent passed it. The results were even higher in Western Norway and in Oslo, where 93.9 percent passed the test that qualifies them for a Norwegian passport.
The test became a requirement in 2017, when the generally anti-immigration Progress Party wanted to make it even more difficult to obtain Norwegian citizenship. The large numbers of those now taking the test also reflect immigrants who’ve lived in Norway for many years but have only been able to apply for dual citizenship since 2019.
The strong results are “a positive trend,” said Sveinung Skule of the state’s directorate for higher education. “It shows how many have built up competence in the Norwegian language and knowledge of Norwegian society.”
Questions on the test, however, don’t only cover subjects like Norwegian history, politics, geography or culture. Subject matter varies, but one batch of tests in 2020 also seemed to test immigrants’ knowledge of social welfare programs. One question centered on how old a young Norwegian can be to receive free dental care, while others included questions on benefits for children.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
