Steinkjer integration center to close as Norway’s refugee reception program faces challenges

In 2016, the Norwegian government established five so-called “super reception centers” aimed at providing comprehensive services for the most motivated refugees. The goal was to accelerate their integration into society and the workforce, thereby contributing more quickly as taxpayers within Norway’s welfare model, as stated by then-Minister of Immigration and Integration, Sylvi Listhaug, during the centers’ opening.

Now, eight years later, the fourth of these centers is shutting down, with the operators citing long processing times at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) as a significant financial issue.

Johanne Rossebø, the head of integration in Steinkjer, expressed that the outcomes at the reception center have been positive; however, the local council has decided to close the center. Previously, integration centers in Oslo, Bodø, and Larvik have also closed, leaving only the center in Kristiansand operational.

The UDI reports that the target group for these centers includes asylum seekers who have received a residence permit or are highly likely to receive one. However, recent years have seen increased processing times due to a surge in applications and a reduction in caseworkers, resulting in some residents remaining in the centers for several years, which escalates costs.

As the Steinkjer center prepares to close, only the Kristiansand integration center remains. Nevertheless, this center is also grappling with budgetary constraints due to lengthy processing times at UDI, which may necessitate its closure as well.

The Ministry of Labour and Integration acknowledges the situation, emphasizing the need for effective integration of refugees. An evaluation study regarding the reception centers is underway and is expected to be published later this year.