The economic emigration of Poles to Norway has decreased significantly in recent years. According to research conducted by OsloMet University, the number of Poles emigrating to this Scandinavian country has fallen by two thirds over the last 10 years. The main reasons are the improvement of the economic situation in Poland and the weakening exchange rate of the Norwegian krone.
Researchers from OsloMet analyzed data on 300,000 people. emigrants from Central and Eastern Europe, of which Poles constituted the largest group. In 2023–2024, the number of new immigrants arriving in Norway decreased by 30 percent, but in the case of Poles, this decline was particularly noticeable. At the same time, an increase in the number of returns to the country was noticed.
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One of the key factors limiting the attractiveness of Norway as an emigration destination is weakening of the Norwegian currency. Over the last decade, the Norwegian krone has lost over 40% against the Polish zloty. its value. Combined with the increase in wages, improved purchasing power and low unemployment in Poland, Norway's wage advantage is no longer a sufficient motivator for economic emigration.
See also: They went to Scandinavia to work 20-30 years ago. Today they have such pensions [KWOTY]
Norway no longer so attractive to Poles? Who is coming back to the country? Poles in Norway and the EU.
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PAP/photos
Research shows that Two groups of emigrants most often return to Poland. The first group consists of people with higher education who find attractive job offers in Poland or other European Union countries. The second group consists of people who have not found their place in Norway – mainly those who have not found permanent employment.
“Our study showed that lack of work is a strong factor encouraging people to return. People without jobs leave Norway much more often than those who have them,” said Prof. Marianne Toennessen from OsloMet, co-author of the study.
See also: One person, one identity. Important changes for Poles in Norway
Norway: work and earnings. “Second class citizens”?
Prof. Johan Fredrik Rye from NTNU in Trondheim points out that Poles often perform manual labor in Norway for relatively low wages, which limits their professional development opportunities.
Many migrants feel like “second-class citizens” in Norway – despite participating in social life, they do not feel fully integrated.
Similar conclusions are presented by Anne Mette Oedegaard from the FAFO institute, who notes that the model of integration of immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe was based mainly on the assumption that “work equals integration.” However, the lack of access to language courses or introductory programs meant that many newcomers did not feel fully accepted in Norwegian society.
According to researchers from OsloMet, Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive place for economic migrants from a country that sends workers abroad. In order for Norway to retain Polish workers, it will be necessary to create a more comprehensive integration system that will allow immigrants not only to work, but also to plan their future in Norway in the long term.
