The goal of this policy is to increase labour market participation by investing in formal education, skills and qualifications, and to foster participation in society in general. Formal skills and qualifications are key to acquiring and keeping a job.

At the core of Norway’s Integration Policy are two programmes regulated by the Introduction Act:

• The Introduction Programme for Newly Arrived Refugees and their families is an individually adapted full-time programme in the municipalities. It provides each participant with Norwegian language training and insight into Norwegian society. The overall goal is to prepare for employment or further education.
• The Norwegian Language Training and Social Studies Programme has a broader target group. Through the programme, the participants should sufficiently master Norwegian in the course of the first years in Norway, andacquire knowledge about Norwegian society. Having completed language training or demonstrated corresponding language skills through a test, is a  requirement for a permanent residence permit and for Norwegian citizenship.