Homelessness among transnational migrants in Norway

Abstract

Transnational migration throughout Europe due to high rates of unemployment and poverty has led to increased concerns about migrants experiencing episodes of homelessness. In particular, scholars have pointed out that many Nordic countries have encountered an influx of migrants from several newer European Union (EU) member states who became homeless after their arrival (Blume, Gustafsson, Pedersen, & Verner, 2007; Friberg & Eldring, 2013; Hooghe, Trappers, Meuleman, & Reeskens, 2008; Jørgensen, 2012). Although the number of homeless individuals in this part of Northern Europe is relatively low in international comparison, homelessness in these countries remains a substantial social problem. As Sveri (2003) notes, there is a need for further efforts to prevent homelessness in the Nordic countries; however, a strong evidential base for designing policies and initiatives to address migrant homelessness is lacking. As such, this research offers insight from social work professionals in Norway and can be valuable in informing strategic and policy decisions (Hantrais, 2009). Such research is important because commonly held views about homeless migrants have not been well documented, particularly from this unique transnational social work perspective.