Several welcoming projects to (gladly) receive diverse groups

Bergen has implemented various welcoming policy instruments. For instance, the city has set up a designated agency to welcome newcomers. The Introduction Centre for Refugees welcomes around 400 new refugees a year. The city council has passed a decision that Bergen will receive 450 new refugees (including family reunification) every year in the period 2014-2016. They will go through a 2 year introduction program aimed at qualifying them for a job or participation in the ordinary education system. The program had around 510 participants in December 2013. The participants are paid around 14 200 NOK a month to participate in this course. The municipal Norwegian language school for newly arrived immigrants had around 3700 adult students in 2012. The city of Bergen owns the organisation. Business Region Bergen together with 22 other municipalities in the region and the county council. This organisation works to strengthen and develop trade and industry in the Bergen region, especially within the region's most important industries: Oil, gas, marine activities, maritime industry and tourism. Their goal is to contribute to sustainable and knowledge based growth, diversity and high level of employment in the region. They offer assistance to people who want to establish business in Bergen.