Migration studies have predominantly investigated the socio-cultural incorporation of lowskilled migrants and refugees, fuelled by concerns that these migrants may pose a burden on the state and a threat to social cohesion. Few studies have investigated the socio-cultural incorporation of skilled migrants, perhaps assuming that they will fare well in a country of destination. Using the petroleum industry in Norway as a case study, this article examines the workplace as a key site of transmission of norms and values of the host society. We investigate firm initiatives for the socio-cultural incorporation of skilled migrants and analyse the challenges that these workers experience in the workplace. We then discuss the roles of nonstate actors in the incorporation process and offer suggestions that may enhance the socio-cultural incorporation of skilled migrants into the host society.

Skilled workers are in high demand in the global knowledge economy. Companies vie to attract the best and brightest workers, and they recruit skilled migrants to meet their talent needs. This report investigates the recruitment of skilled workers to Norway and the lived experiences of these migrants. The study is set in Norway because it has weathered the global financial crisis better than most countries. The report focuses on the IT sector and the oil and gas industry, two international sectors that recruit foreign talent. The report presents findings from interviews with HR managers, migrants, policymakers, representatives for unions and employer organizations, and other stakeholders who are involved in international skilled migration. We also present results from a survey of foreign-born engineers and IT specialists in four companies in Norway. The study aims to provide information about recent developments in the global knowledge economy, and to contribute to policy debates about international competitiveness. The findings contribute to more effective strategies to attract and retain skilled workers, and to improve the lives of skilled migrants in Norway. These topics are of interest to companies, policymakers, and other actors in international skilled migration.