I know for instance Norway has suggested allowing illegal immigrants onward voyage to Svalbard where there are no public benefits but also no visa requirements to work, which allow them to technically stay in Norway and still have work authorization without becoming a public charge. I think this kind of clever problem solving is really the kind we need to overcome some of these challenges.
There are no public benefits in Svalbard because they send anyone who can't support themselves back to Norway. The economy is small and dominated by a few state-owned employers who own almost all the housing and rent it to their employees.
Sending illegal immigrants from Norway to Svalbard is not a practical suggestion.
Norway's own politicians and people were the ones suggesting it. Not being Norwegian myself I'm relying on those in Norway to suggest these ideas. Both the FrP and Green Party have come up with plans to make it practical.
> send anyone who can't support themselves back to Norway
I mean for illegal immigrants; if they can't support themselves they can be sent back to their own country. They have no right to stay in mainland Norway, so that won't be a problem.
