Frp Proposes Stricter Citizenship Rules, Challenges Høyre and Ap for Support
The Progress Party (Frp) is raising the stakes on Norwegian citizenship regulations, urging both the Conservative Party and the Labor Party to back its proposed reforms. Leading the charge, Frp leader Sylvi Listhaug emphasizes the necessity of tightening citizenship rules and plans to push these ideas during the Conservative Party’s national meeting this weekend.
Listhaug’s call for action puts immediate pressure on Ine Eriksen Søreide, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party. Together with her party colleague Erlend Wiborg, Listhaug advocates for a representative proposal that will be subject to discussion and voting in the Storting come spring.
Key Points of the Proposal:
- The length of required residency in Norway for citizenship would increase to a minimum of ten years, mandating that applicants demonstrate full integration and economic self-sufficiency.
- Currently, the basic requirement stands at eight years of residency within the last 11 years, supported by residence permits lasting a minimum of one year.
- Furthermore, individuals with serious criminal convictions would be barred from obtaining Norwegian citizenship altogether.
Listhaug clarifies, “If you have committed a crime equivalent to 90 days in prison, you lose your right to apply for citizenship.”
She draws comparisons to Denmark’s more restrictive policies, stating, “Between 2021 and 2024, Norway granted almost seven times the number of citizenships as Denmark – a clear indication that something is amiss with our regulations.”
During this period, Norway awarded citizenship to 145,261 individuals compared to Denmark’s 21,242. Wiborg asserts that serious offenders have no place in Norway and suggests that dangerous criminals should be deported rather than awarded citizenship.
Listhaug emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency: “We must ensure that individuals can support themselves financially without relying on public benefits.” This, she argues, will not only fortify integration efforts but also enhance societal costs.
In addressing potential concerns regarding labor shortages, Wiborg points out that the current influx of immigrants, particularly from non-Western countries, does not adequately address Norway’s labor needs. He cites statistics revealing that only one in ten Syrian women is engaged in full-time employment, exacerbating the challenges around economic contribution.
Listhaug firmly believes that citizenship should only be granted when integration has truly succeeded, adding, “Currently, too many individuals receive citizenship without fully integrating into the workforce or society. This costs us dearly.”
In response, Søreide entrusted the task of addressing Listhaug’s challenge to Deputy Chairman Henrik Asheim. While affirming that the Conservative Party also aims to tighten immigration and integration policies, Asheim expresses a desire for dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the potential for shared political goals.
“My hope is that the Progress Party will support our new proposals,” he states. “It is essential to integrate everyone we welcome effectively, ensuring a sustainable immigration policy that upholds our values of freedom, security, and welfare for future generations.”