The pulling power of Norway
Officials issued 6,000 work permits between May 1 and October, while neighboring EU member Sweden issued only 2,000 permits in the corresponding period. Fellow Union members Finland and Denmark each approved just 1,000 permits.
The statistics were based on longer work periods and not seasonal work, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration said.
Norwegians have twice rejected joining the EU but the country has close ties with the bloc through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement. The EEA allows Norway to trade in the single market with the free movement of goods, capital, services and people.
One explanation offered for the Norwegian figures suggests that seasonal workers from eastern Europe, mainly Poland, who worked previously in Norway's agriculture sector, have developed strong links with the country. (J.T., ISB)
The statistics were based on longer work periods and not seasonal work, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration said.
Norwegians have twice rejected joining the EU but the country has close ties with the bloc through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement. The EEA allows Norway to trade in the single market with the free movement of goods, capital, services and people.
One explanation offered for the Norwegian figures suggests that seasonal workers from eastern Europe, mainly Poland, who worked previously in Norway's agriculture sector, have developed strong links with the country. (J.T., ISB)
