Funny, Cecilia Blomdahl's recent video about the mine mentioned there used to be a female worker, but that she recently left, and now I see her here. Hope she's doing well.
The Visa-Free Zone of Svalbard is a "Loop-Hole" in the rules. Svalbard is still Norway, but because of foreign interests in that zone, Norway has not been granted full rule. If that makes sense. The Visa-Free zone means you are allowed to live there as long as you have an income or money, and a home. Everything else is granted by Norwegian law, same as main-land Norway. So you have to be a citizen of Norway to have these rights. Edit: The false impression of what Svalbard really is, has been made by RUclipsrs and and Journalists. Most people should look that up before actually moving there. It is not a free-haven in that sense.
Most people doesn't seem to understand that you are not supposed to build a permanent life on Svalbard, just temporarily work there. Due to the climate and lack of resources of the place, everything has to be brought in. That makes an ever-growing population unsustainable. Hence the restrictions of needing work and accommodation to live there, and why residents can't claim social security benefits while living there.
@@SirZeckread the Svalbard Treaty and then decide if the non Norwegians should be considered foreigners or outsiders, you can find the Treaty in Wikipedia, it's fairly short and uses simple language
Thanks for this post. There are the fantasies promoted by the media, and there is the reality of life 700 miles from the pole. The coal mining will go, that’s a given. But replaced by tourism, like that’s sustainable? Please!
Now go to China or other country and ask how are foreign people allowed to particiate in local government. The fact that you are allowed to stay or work does not mean that you have full citizenship. When you visit someone follow the local rules.
EXACTLY THIS! Some lady from Seattle running some kind of art gallery, is it not exactly a much needed business! and she is demanding 'Foreigner Rights' ! What does that even mean?!
The standard in EU- and EFTA-countries is that everyone who has permanent residency, has local voting rights, as well as all citizens from EU- and EFTA countries.
@@PatrickHuttonyes it is -I had to become an American citizen in order to have the right to vote-every civilized country shud a constitution to protect its citizens
It stands to reason that you need to be able to take care of yourself if you want to live on Svalbard. It's got limited resources, is a very expensive place to live and you have to be able to support yourself. I follow a RUclips creator called Cecilia Blomdahl. She shows life in her cabin just outside Longyearbyen, she supports herself. She paints a good picture for tourists and probably has boosted tourism to Svalbard, but she has cautioned in her early videos that a person has to be able to support themselves to live there. I'd love to visit but not stay, I don't care for the cold.
@@miaslettas1007 Go to western Australia. plenty of mining jobs but the temperature is 50 plus degrees with 80 percent humidity. The pay is quite good and accommodation is easily available.
If I travel to another country, I don't expect to be able to have my say in how that country is run through elections because I'm not a citizen of that country. It's just basic common sense. If these foreigners in Svalbard want to participate in Norway's democracy, they should find a way to gain Norwegian citizenship instead of trying to act like victims. I can't imagine the level of entitlement involved to think that having visa-free entry means they should also get the same rights citizens do.
If you live somewhere you should be able to have an impact on the local rules, that's not an crazy idea. Your problems should matter as much as anyone else's because you are a human being first and we shouldn't be mistreated arbitrarily. To act like these people don't have a right to feel hurt that they don't matter as much in a place they want to live is ridiculous. Especially when the context is given that the hostility is intentional to foreigners in favor of Norwegians. This is wrong and hopefully, in time things will change.
@@moosepatil5946 It is not a crazy idea at all, but you do not know how this works. Svalbard is under Norwegian Law. Svalbard is still Norway, but because of foreign interests they were never granted full rule. That means anyone who is not a Norwegian citizen, has no claim to Norwegian Law. This loop-hole in the rules, that was created between the U.S.A. and Russia in the case of war. The Norwegians have no full rule of this territory, even when this territory has been Norwegian, and the people living there have been Norwegian for centuries. There used to be, I do not know how it is now’; “The law of presence”. That is why Russsians have coal-mines, which are not profitable in any sense. If anything the Russians or Ukrianiens should help this person if that makes sense. That is their job.
The Russian woman is so full of herself. She came just 4 years ago and thinks everything should be given to her on a silver platter. No thanks. If you arrive somewhere, you must be ready to face the consequences of it, nobody will give you anything for free.
No, it's not, it is not Norway, it is Svalbard, and the rules are defined in the Svalbard Treaty, look it up on wiki, it's pretty short, so you should be able to get through it without shouting Brexit or Maga to often. You might learn something as well... maybe...
@@qntnotes9427 no, ffs, it's not their country, read the Svalbard Treaty would you, you should be able to get through it without shouting Brexit/MAGA too many times... you might even learn something about history and the wide world... so once more, no, Svalbard is not Norway
No, it's not. They grabbed the land from someone else, established their own rules wiping those before them, and that's fine, and now anything that can challenge the Norwegianness of this place must be forbidden. So very Norwegian.
@@msdadsfsx Have you? It says in the fiorst sentence that Svalbard is Norway. "The High Contracting Parties agree to recognize, under the conditions laid down in this treaty, Norway's full and unrestricted sovereignty over the Spitsbergen Islands
Same way I have a right to vote in local elections in Germany. I work here, I pay taxes to Germany, contribute to it's economy and society and live here permanently, speak German and employ other Germans in my German company. I don't pay taxes or contribute to my own country in any way and don't have an address there. Do you think it's unfair to be able to vote in a country you're financing? 😅 However, we don't have a right to vote in state-wide elections for example ans that's ok, until we become citizens.
@@Michael9-23-15 Same. I remember Europe 24 years ago used to give tourists a hard time for not at least trying to order food or fit into local customs. Was a great place to visit. Then they bent over and greased up and now Europe is a hellscaps.
I would at least learn a language in 4 years living somewhere and probably speak english in a interview about melting pot instead of cry for help from local government while doing nothing to integrate into the culture.
Only citizens of Norway should be able to vote. If a higher # of russians (higher # than the Norwegians that live there) moved to Longyben and voted for all pro-russian anti Norway issues/ needs how would the Norwegians feel ??
One of my biggest concerns for Svalbard is that with mining being phased out, tourism is being moved into being its main industry. I worry that having so many tourists descend on Svalbard will be harmful to it. The main city, Longyerben is about 2,000 people and some of these cruise ships have about 4,000 people on board. When they dock and dump out double the people onto Longyerben, does it cause issues in town or is the town growing to accomodate more tourists?
3 yrs residency before voting is NOT a long time. I think the gallery owner is a stirrer and obviously has issues herself as to why she selected to live there and leave Canada.
The problem is that there's three years of residency on the Norwegian mainland required. If there would be three years of residency on Svalbard required, there would be no issue, it would be fair. I'm from Gdańsk, Poland. If I move to Oslo as an EU/EFTA-citizen, I can vote for the local government almost immediately. If I move to Longyearbyen, I can live there for 20 years and still not vote, unless I move for three years to Oslo (or wherever else in Norway) first. In my opinion, Norway should just cancel the Svalbard Treaty, and integrate the archipelago into Finnmarks fylke. Then all Norwegian laws and rules would apply equally to Svalbard.
I watch Cecilia Blomdahl's Svalbard videos each week. She focuses on the natural beauty of the archipelago, but emphasises that you have to be young (ish), healthy, and able to support yourself if you want to live there. Its extreme seasons and remoteness would not be everyone's cup of tea. IMO it shouldn't be the govt's responsibility to provide housing for ppl who can pay market rent. On the other hand, making life more difficult for non-Norwegians willing to live in such an extreme environment may discourage them from staying, and create labour shortages.
❤❤❤ I real respect you iron lady wow i am also Roofbolter operator underground trackless mining for DS411 Sandvik here in South Africa 🇿🇦 mining I love your spirit energy and confidence big up mi darling ❤ .
Foreigners choose to move/work there. It's by no means an appealing and cozy place to live. Harsh climate, harsh politics. Why are they surprised? Plenty could go wrong if they were more open in terms of housing and voting to foreigners. The history the place itself is pretty self explanatory and cautionary.
THE RULE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT YOU HAD TO HAVE SOME WHERE TO LIVE BEFORE MOVING THERE WHY DO PEOPLE EXPECT A TOWN TO CHANGE THAT RULE FOR THEM ITS SO CRAZY!! HAVE YOU A PLACE TO LIVE BEFORE MOVING TO THAT PLACE PERIOD!!!
I wonder if the journalist who made this video was *trying* to make the viewer feel sympathetic to the plight of these foreigners. Or if they were trying to make us feel angry at them ? I got angry. So if that was the intention, well done !
Bottom line, Svalbard is sovereign Norwegian territory. Yes, they have a visa free work arraignment but that doesn't mean foreigners go there to enjoy all the rights of Norwegians without being citizens. If you are not sponsored by a company to work then guess what? You have to figure out how you are going to survive, welcome do adulting. Foreigners who have lived there for years and expect agency in Norwegian territory without being Norwegian is pure entitlement. For Americans, just because most people speak English doesn't mean you have a free pass. Learn the language, again, it's Norwegian territory. If the government decides to enact restrictions to favor Norwegians then guess what? Deal with it or be on your way.
She was asked about her thoughts and shared them. She has a right to advocate to make the place she has made home better, for her and her fellow Svalbard residents. That’s what a pluralistic society is supposed to embrace. If they want to close the island off from everyone except native Norwegians, that’s their prerogative. They chose to make this place open to anyone who would contribute. They should listen to their chosen people.
I love Cecilia Blomdahls videos, but I don't care about Svalbard or Longyearbyen. No amount of money could get me to live there. To me it's a prison. No daylight for 2 whole months, and frigid cold until the month of April is a prison sentence. I wouldn't be worried or bothered about not being able to vote. Life is challenging enough there, with or without voting. Trees grow in Siberia but not Svalbard. That says a lot. People aren't meant to live so far north. All of the birds, for instance, move south for the winter. The place should be left for the Polar Bears to live there in peace in the winter. It's their land, they're made for living there. As for human residents, being so far north, the residents of Svalbard are totally sustained by what's imported from the Norwegian mainland. In return for this, you must have a means of employment, if you are to live there. There's no social welfare. Despite having work, I'd imagine many people are very psychologically challenged by the dark cold winters there. Many leave after a year or two, I reckon.
The Russian-Ukrainian woman complains. The Svalbard website makes it very clear that accommodation and work must be secured before arriving there. The town is very small and even locals find it hard to secure a home. Given the situation in Ukraine now she could go back. Millions have. Svalbard has around fifty two different nationalities at any one time. Interesting place. It's on my list to visit.
She literally said she's Russian with a Ukrainian passport, not Ukrainian with a Russian background, or Ukrainian with Russian ethnicity. Which means she doesn't feel Ukrainian and doesn't identify with that country. She could easily migrate to Russia, that's the country she identifies with, and get Russian citizenship immediately.
She was asked about her thoughts and shared them. She has a right to advocate to make the place she has made home better, for her and her fellow Svalbard residents. That’s what a pluralistic society is supposed to embrace. If they want to close the island off from everyone except native Norwegians, that’s their prerogative. They chose to make this place open to anyone who would contribute. They should listen to their chosen people.
I don't have an issue with this at all - this is a Norweigan location; it should be mainly for Norweigans. If you find work there, then it isn't unreasonable that you have to find your own way.
@@NorwegianShedhunter From the treaty itself: All citizens and all companies of every nation under the treaty are allowed to become residents and to have access to Svalbard including the right to fish, hunt or undertake any kind of maritime, industrial, mining or trade activity
They cannot build easily and make more room, hence the housing shortage. Valeriya could move to the Norwegian mainland. Svalbard is a very small, remote community, why does a Seattle activist choose to go there to force a Norwegian island to become less Norwegian? Why should non-Norwegians get a vote? Why would local foreigners get to run for Mayor?
I have travelled to many different countries and l follow the rules that my Kindergarten teacher Ms. Reily taught me and my classmates and I apply those rules when travelling. 1) Pay attention 2) Be polite when asking questions. 3) Behave 4) Use my indoor voice when inside. 5) Be respectful of others. 6) Follow the laws.
I think wagons of coal used to go from the mine to some other area with those structures, don't know the names but I have seen similar structures in northern Russia.
This video makes it seem much more of a big deal than it actually is. Also, there are some strange viepoints in this video, in my opinion. Considering the history of Svalbard, the Spitsbergen Treaty, the fact that even though it's part of Norway it's technically not 100% sovereign Norwegian territory, and that Longyearbyen is a small visa free town in the far arctic north, it seems a bit strange that the government is so concerned about it not "being Norwegian enough". What exactly did they expect? Simultaneously, there are pathways to citizenship, and foreigners chose to move there. Expecting the government to find a home for you, and thinking you should be able to participate in democracy as a non-citizen is crazy. Despite having a few benifits, Norwegian citizens are still expected to be almost completely self sufficient there, just like everyone else. At the end of the day, even though it's not like the mainland, it's still Norwegian territory.
the uptight Seattlite needed a political cause, naturally. she's done now tho of course. she can go back to Seattle and protest for "defunding the police" 🤣
They want to replace the local authorities with their own people as quickly as possible,like they can hire hundreds of people for a couple days to come around voting day to overwhelm the Norwegian. 😂
I think it would have been better if Svalbard made it clear from the start that it’s still essentially Norway, just like the Foroe Islands are Denmark. It has that visa-free rule, but still Norway, and hence prioritises Norwegian citizens, while at the same time welcomes foreign work forces. I think it’s not making that distinction clear enough and the misunderstanding can indeed occur. You can’t expect people from such diverse backgrounds, culturally and politically, to get it without some clear explanation. I don’t call it entitlement, just expectations. make it clear before they’re allowed to settle down and work in Svalbard.
If the Seattle lady is moving away, maybe the Ukrainian lady can get her apartment. As others of us know from Cecilia Blomdahl's videos, it's virtually impossible to find limited housing in Longyearbyen, nor is the village all that interested in expanding.
I am not a citizen of my country. I live and work and do okay. I don't try to dictate policy. I don't vote and who cares? Why do I care who is the mayor.
The fact that it's almost impossible to order food in Norwegian say it all. Local authorities are in no way obliged to provide permanent accommodating to foreigners.
Very interesting movie for me as a (mainland) Norwegian. I didn’t know about this increasing xenophobia. Why can’t the government just offer courses in Norwegian language like they do for forwigners on the mainland? BTW: good to hear that the last coal mine is closing!
In the times of internet why would you need classes? Norwegian is decently easy language, you have plenty of apps that are better than classes, you have plenty of Norwegian television and also you have Norwegians on the island, so i don't think you need classes. I would be ashamed to even say idk the language after 4 years of living surrounded by that language.
@skunkwarzone it is true, though. There is a lot of controversy on Svalbard regarding the voting system and even many Norwegians are against it. Foreigners and Norwegians live on Svalbard in symbiosis and you cannot simply exclude a group from participating in political and social ife. I don't think it's unfair to say that success of Svalbard depends on foreigners as much as it does on locals.
@@brunoslavv because you cannot build a community with an app and building a community is what Norwegian goverment wants to do. For this, people need to feel included. You have to understand, that population of Longyerbyen is only 2000 of very isolated people. This is a group that live very closely together. You simply cannot create artificial divisions as you risk dismantling the society that was created there.
Well, you learn the language and then get into the community easier, how can that woman conplain when she didn’t learn no norwegian in 4 years, especially when you need it so much. And its not artificial division, if you dont speak language you are dividing yourself. Its common sense division. If i would go to Finland and feel divided because finnish don’t adapt to me, then problem is me.
Yeah, it's pretty sad, some first worlders don't get it, they can visit like 190 countries visa free. While my country has worse visa than Iran and North Korea somehow. We aren't even that poor and haven't even commited any ethnic cleansing in at least 34 years. I don't want to seek asylum in a richer country or anything, I just want to go see some old Norwegian churches yknow. Unfortunately even getting a 3 month visa in a first world country is near impossible for me. It's really sad honestly, westerners have no idea how lucky they are.
@@notfunny3397I agree with everything you say except last part. Whatever means, in some cases very bad, such as imperialism or colonialism, they not just achieved that status but managed to keep it intact. Especially Scandinavian countries. I do not know they practising colonialism or imperialism even in earlier generations but I maybe am wrong. Point is, what can they do. Even if one want to move there, temporarily or permanently, they have experienced that there are way too many people who wouldnt integrate than those who will. Not only that, there many who go there on short term visa and then change it to different type. I dont see an answer really. I have come to a conclusion that at some point I your life you come to stage that you end up thinking "I will make a small clean place for myself. Without consciously bothering anyone. Since I am human being with desires."
@@neelroy2918 I don't think you quite get it. Swedish people (or most countries in the western world), can freely enter my country with little to preparation for at least 6 months, all they need is their passport. It's not race or ethnicity, it's their passport that gives them this power. A lot of foreign nationals also turn my country into their "summer home", buying a beach house and everything. On the other hand, I can't even easily visit their country for a pilgrimage, unless I fulfill a pretty hard to achieve set of requirements. Especially since fees are set to account for first world nationals. And this might sound weird or hard to believe to you if you live in a rich country, but most people don't want to leave their own country to become a minority in a other. You might think that way, because you get a lot of refugees or immigrants, but there are way more people who choose not to move countries than those who do, it's just that there a lot of people in the world, so there a lot of people who move even though they make a small part of the population. Tldr, one of the only reasons I want to emigrate to a rich western country is to gain citizenship, so that I can travel the world.
@@notfunny3397 I am not from rich country. The reason that people from rich countries enter without visa to poor countries because poor countries want, nay need, their money. So getting easy access other way around wont happen (poor nationals to rich countries with ease). Well, I dont want to travel the world, but for one reason or other there are couple of countries I have in mind where I want to try become citizen. But fortunately for native people in those countries ;-), it may not be possible. Mainly because of age I am approaching. The reason for me saying this is, if you have a good reason for wanting to be citizen of some wealthy country, I would suggest you make _really_ long term plan, _knowing that_ you might fail for couple if not few times. This is the world we live in. All the best!
@@neelroy2918 thanks, and all the best to you too. In your case, despite all the stuff you see online, most people in rich countries don't actually mind people of other ethnicities as long as they do their part, so depending on the country, I'm sure you will be accepted somewhere.
Why should Svalbard provide you a home when you decided to move there and work??? Don't go to another land demanding change, or demanding provisions. Accept the policies in place when you make your decisions! This documentary is infuriating! Foreigners demanding and sulking. Move then! Svalbard is Norwegian! (May sound harsh, but it's so tiring when people try to change another country's policies to suit their personal needs and wants. Go away!)
I agree. It is made by DW "Deutsche Welle". One of the many super woke german channels funded by the german taxpayer who have enough of one sided news and documentaries but can't escape them. It follows a simple pattern: strangers are always so so good and an enrichment and are owed the world. The normal citizens are being labeled far right if they have doubts about this propaganda.
Humanity needs to find a balance between "diversity ideology" and privincial, nationalistic ideology. Pushing for and focusing too much either way creates racism and intolerance.
I missed better coverage and explanation of the Svalbard treaty and a journalistic approach to how the Norwegian government is fearful that Russia will make a move. Trutnev made treats regarding this in February 2024 and it can explain a lot in this video and/or give better context and should have been included.
I was in Essen (25 years ago!) - and I could only order food in Turkish :-). Well except for the pig slop in the factory mess... (elderly German ladies asking you what flavor sauce you wanted with your pork).
I think there is a cultural divide when the economy changed to tourism…many questions not covered…are there enough jobs and housing for people to stay? If not then there has to be limits, and the local govt has every right to set the limits under the treaty.
I think the answer might refer the question. If svalbard was regular territory, building new houses in light of jobs (tourism) would be straightforward. But it's open to all. If it becomes big enough, which it would if allowed, it would create way too many problems.
If it was profitable, I'm sure it would be done. The demand is seasonal. The mines have their own housing, and when that ends, it will likely be repurposed for others. It's not the government's job to find housing for random foreigners and their dogs.
It's because of the geography and geology of the town, and because there are restrictions on where you can build towns because it is a heavily protected environment... so, not a whole lot of space to just build more houses. It is a very profitable trade though
It’s not dust that you see at 2:15. The mine is at 0 degrees, what you can see is condensation from me breathing. I placed one bolt and we went out of the mine again. The only reason i am not wearing a mask is because of the short time underground and for the microphone to pick up my voice. Hope this helps :)
@@waldemarsikorski4759 they were nomadic. dont believe too much about land rights that the media and people have twisted into a good story.. their boomerangs were big sticks they threw at animals and never came back lol
I liked the documentary but it is misleading. As others have said, why are you trying to state the Norwegians must accept foreigners on Svalbard on what already has limited resources. It's arrogant to think a country that is not your native area should give you everything. Sometimes I feel journalists make situations worse. What do you want the place to do, let anyone move in, stay and vote regardless if they live there? You could adopt a different angle - it's welcoming of people but to prevent untipping the balance for its residents it has to put restrictions in place...
@@boejiden sure but there’s no life. No society ( 2000 people only) and no variety of activities. There’s only so many times you gonna go hiking in the same terrain or go to the same bar over and over… seems like you’d have to trade in your life for such a pointless place
@@Brian_Moser1118 there are many activities you can do. Hunting, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, swimming, going to the gym, paragliding, skiing, hiking, etc. All these activities are popular there. It's not dead at all. Also, there are dozens of restaurants and bars, and they are much better and filled with more interesting people than on the mainland. Sounds like you are the one with the pointless life if you can't see such opportunities.
@@boejiden you can list all the activities it’s still the same terrain all over and same waters. And same very small downtown. I’m saying this with a reference. I’ve lived in tiny towns.
@Brian_Moser1118 you have a lot more to explore than you think, and the place doesn't matter. People matter and have good community and friends. Big city people are often very lonely.
Racust policies can never excused if they are put in pkace to exclude 40% of the people, who actually pay taxes to Norway. I assume they will throw russians out soon.
Svalbard was given to Norway just to administer Svalbard… but I think Norway Government is currently not capable of administering Svalbard… I think two more countries from the treaty should be added in administrative services… of which both the countries should be from different continents…
I was going to too say how do ppl make money but I see now high paying mine workers make a living I would consider doin that wow she speaks good English love you
I think nationalism is a stupid idea. Let industrious folks come from across the planet and give them equal rights as your citizens and then watch your fiscal health grow.
Cecilia, Christoffer and Grim have brought so much positive attention to this area!! Beautiful!
Love when someone else knows about Cecilia!!!
I know right I think I discovered them while I was on sickleave a couple years ago and they are adorable😂
❤❤❤ yes 🤗🥹🥰 was thinking of them.
Funny, Cecilia Blomdahl's recent video about the mine mentioned there used to be a female worker, but that she recently left, and now I see her here. Hope she's doing well.
The Visa-Free Zone of Svalbard is a "Loop-Hole" in the rules. Svalbard is still Norway, but because of foreign interests in that zone, Norway has not been granted full rule. If that makes sense.
The Visa-Free zone means you are allowed to live there as long as you have an income or money, and a home.
Everything else is granted by Norwegian law, same as main-land Norway. So you have to be a citizen of Norway to have these rights.
Edit: The false impression of what Svalbard really is, has been made by RUclipsrs and and Journalists. Most people should look that up before actually moving there. It is not a free-haven in that sense.
Most people doesn't seem to understand that you are not supposed to build a permanent life on Svalbard, just temporarily work there. Due to the climate and lack of resources of the place, everything has to be brought in. That makes an ever-growing population unsustainable. Hence the restrictions of needing work and accommodation to live there, and why residents can't claim social security benefits while living there.
Then why restrict the internationals only of their voting rights but not the from the norwegians. Your explanation deoesnt make sense.
@@yasin4151Because the international are outsiders,what part of that you don't understand?
but norway is rich, so they could. Furthermore this illustrates how hypocritical norway is to still allow coal mining.
@@SirZeckread the Svalbard Treaty and then decide if the non Norwegians should be considered foreigners or outsiders, you can find the Treaty in Wikipedia, it's fairly short and uses simple language
Thanks for this post. There are the fantasies promoted by the media, and there is the reality of life 700 miles from the pole. The coal mining will go, that’s a given. But replaced by tourism, like that’s sustainable? Please!
Now go to China or other country and ask how are foreign people allowed to particiate in local government. The fact that you are allowed to stay or work does not mean that you have full citizenship. When you visit someone follow the local rules.
EXACTLY THIS! Some lady from Seattle running some kind of art gallery, is it not exactly a much needed business! and she is demanding 'Foreigner Rights' ! What does that even mean?!
The standard in EU- and EFTA-countries is that everyone who has permanent residency, has local voting rights, as well as all citizens from EU- and EFTA countries.
@@aileenmarzanna That maybe so but is it a good idea?
They aren’t visiting, they live there…
@@PatrickHuttonyes it is -I had to become an American citizen in order to have the right to vote-every civilized country shud a constitution to protect its citizens
For a weekly dose of life on Svalbard, check out Cecilia Blomdahl the Svalbard lady and her boyfriend Cristoffer
Wouldn't miss it brilliant
Been following them since the 3rd video was posted!!!
I feel sorry for Cristoffer
She is the best channel on RUclips!! Grim is my favorite
@@designshorts4020 Why? He doesn't have to work for a living now. Great life. What's to be sorry about?
It stands to reason that you need to be able to take care of yourself if you want to live on Svalbard.
It's got limited resources, is a very expensive place to live and you have to be able to support yourself.
I follow a RUclips creator called Cecilia Blomdahl.
She shows life in her cabin just outside Longyearbyen, she supports herself.
She paints a good picture for tourists and probably has boosted tourism to Svalbard, but she has cautioned in her early videos that a person has to be able to support themselves to live there.
I'd love to visit but not stay, I don't care for the cold.
That low ceiling in the mine… NOPE NOPE NOPE
Lol...exactly
I am full of admiration for that young lady and the work she does!
@@PoliticalRegalitythank you!
@@miaslettas1007hello Mia. Do tell us what you plan to do the next year. Australia, Greenland or Norway. Best wishes from India!!
@@miaslettas1007 Go to western Australia. plenty of mining jobs but the temperature is 50 plus degrees with 80 percent humidity. The pay is quite good and accommodation is easily available.
If I travel to another country, I don't expect to be able to have my say in how that country is run through elections because I'm not a citizen of that country. It's just basic common sense. If these foreigners in Svalbard want to participate in Norway's democracy, they should find a way to gain Norwegian citizenship instead of trying to act like victims. I can't imagine the level of entitlement involved to think that having visa-free entry means they should also get the same rights citizens do.
If you live somewhere you should be able to have an impact on the local rules, that's not an crazy idea. Your problems should matter as much as anyone else's because you are a human being first and we shouldn't be mistreated arbitrarily. To act like these people don't have a right to feel hurt that they don't matter as much in a place they want to live is ridiculous. Especially when the context is given that the hostility is intentional to foreigners in favor of Norwegians. This is wrong and hopefully, in time things will change.
non-citizen residents are allowed to vote in city elections elsewhere in Norway so Svalbard is different.
Well said
@@moosepatil5946 It is not a crazy idea at all, but you do not know how this works. Svalbard is under Norwegian Law. Svalbard is still Norway, but because of foreign interests they were never granted full rule. That means anyone who is not a Norwegian citizen, has no claim to Norwegian Law. This loop-hole in the rules, that was created between the U.S.A. and Russia in the case of war. The Norwegians have no full rule of this territory, even when this territory has been Norwegian, and the people living there have been Norwegian for centuries. There used to be, I do not know how it is now’; “The law of presence”. That is why Russsians have coal-mines, which are not profitable in any sense. If anything the Russians or Ukrianiens should help this person if that makes sense. That is their job.
@@Kali-Yuga-Peace-Corp I'm not confused on how it works we disagree on if the system should exist. I gave my thoughts and I stand by them.
The Russian woman is so full of herself. She came just 4 years ago and thinks everything should be given to her on a silver platter. No thanks. If you arrive somewhere, you must be ready to face the consequences of it, nobody will give you anything for free.
Either you have the hardworking russian or you have the entitled arrogant one. Nothing inbetween
It's their land, their rules
If you can't adapt. You leave. It's that simple
No, it's not, it is not Norway, it is Svalbard, and the rules are defined in the Svalbard Treaty, look it up on wiki, it's pretty short, so you should be able to get through it without shouting Brexit or Maga to often. You might learn something as well... maybe...
Exactly! Their country, their rules.
Even if some fantasize about toxic diversity (but only) in every developed country.
~~~
@@qntnotes9427 no, ffs, it's not their country, read the Svalbard Treaty would you, you should be able to get through it without shouting Brexit/MAGA too many times... you might even learn something about history and the wide world... so once more, no, Svalbard is not Norway
No, it's not. They grabbed the land from someone else, established their own rules wiping those before them, and that's fine, and now anything that can challenge the Norwegianness of this place must be forbidden. So very Norwegian.
@@WaclawKusnierczyk And who exactly did they grabbed the land from and who did they wiped out, if I may ask?
I agree with the Norwegian government: it's crucial to keep the right balance between Norwegian population and the foreigners.
yes!
Norway should be controlled by Norway? How is this a problem
svalbard is not a part of norway thats why, read the treaty
@@msdadsfsxWhat are you on about? When you’re in Svalbard, you’re in Norway…
@@NorwegianShedhunter read the treaty
@@msdadsfsx Have you?
It says in the fiorst sentence that Svalbard is Norway.
"The High Contracting Parties agree to recognize, under the conditions laid down in this treaty, Norway's full and unrestricted sovereignty over the Spitsbergen Islands
@@PhotographyByRune Norway can't interfere with Svalbard economic activity, read that in treaty? That's why there are Russian mines in Svalbard
I don’t understand why any nation would allow foreign nationals who aren’t citizens to vote.
And I don’t understand how foreigners can own property in any country other than their own.
Same way I have a right to vote in local elections in Germany. I work here, I pay taxes to Germany, contribute to it's economy and society and live here permanently, speak German and employ other Germans in my German company. I don't pay taxes or contribute to my own country in any way and don't have an address there. Do you think it's unfair to be able to vote in a country you're financing? 😅 However, we don't have a right to vote in state-wide elections for example ans that's ok, until we become citizens.
It's amazing the gaul of people thinking they can go into another country and dictate the rules. NO 💯
You got that right! I live in the United States and I see it happening here. It's bizarre
@@Michael9-23-15 Same. I remember Europe 24 years ago used to give tourists a hard time for not at least trying to order food or fit into local customs. Was a great place to visit. Then they bent over and greased up and now Europe is a hellscaps.
the gall of people who think ‘their country’ belongs to them
@@cmo5150 Who does it belong to then ?
@@Michael9-23-15 Can you imagine that the US with its foreign policies is doing exactly that to many countries around the world?
I would at least learn a language in 4 years living somewhere and probably speak english in a interview about melting pot instead of cry for help from local government while doing nothing to integrate into the culture.
Only citizens of Norway should be able to vote. If a higher # of russians (higher # than the Norwegians that live there) moved to Longyben and voted for all pro-russian anti Norway issues/ needs how would the Norwegians feel ??
Yes, make shaman king of Norway first so that he can rule the somalians who make up for the demographics!
Send some Somalians there, Shaman Durex will help to administer the place!
that makes little sense, a mayor doesnt have foreign policy powers and their power is anyways limited by the treaty
God the pull of my soul to be in winter and snow and feeling like thats where i belong mountains cold ice & snow 😭
Hard work! I can't imagine working with stuff strapped to my back bent over like that. Hard working people
One of my biggest concerns for Svalbard is that with mining being phased out, tourism is being moved into being its main industry. I worry that having so many tourists descend on Svalbard will be harmful to it. The main city, Longyerben is about 2,000 people and some of these cruise ships have about 4,000 people on board. When they dock and dump out double the people onto Longyerben, does it cause issues in town or is the town growing to accomodate more tourists?
3 yrs residency before voting is NOT a long time. I think the gallery owner is a stirrer and obviously has issues herself as to why she selected to live there and leave Canada.
The problem is that there's three years of residency on the Norwegian mainland required. If there would be three years of residency on Svalbard required, there would be no issue, it would be fair.
I'm from Gdańsk, Poland. If I move to Oslo as an EU/EFTA-citizen, I can vote for the local government almost immediately.
If I move to Longyearbyen, I can live there for 20 years and still not vote, unless I move for three years to Oslo (or wherever else in Norway) first.
In my opinion, Norway should just cancel the Svalbard Treaty, and integrate the archipelago into Finnmarks fylke. Then all Norwegian laws and rules would apply equally to Svalbard.
I watch Cecilia Blomdahl's Svalbard videos each week. She focuses on the natural beauty of the archipelago, but emphasises that you have to be young (ish), healthy, and able to support yourself if you want to live there. Its extreme seasons and remoteness would not be everyone's cup of tea. IMO it shouldn't be the govt's responsibility to provide housing for ppl who can pay market rent. On the other hand, making life more difficult for non-Norwegians willing to live in such an extreme environment may discourage them from staying, and create labour shortages.
I want to visit this place one day
The entitlement... Not a citizen, but wants to vote.
Not a citizen but lives there and pays taxes…. They should have a say and some support
My first thought when seeing the title: “How is there a Melting Pot on Svalbard?? Surely Cecilia would have mentioned it.” 🤦♀️😂
Foreigner: *Reads the laws of Svalbard*
Laws of Svalbard: *Support yourself or get out.*
Foreigner: "AAAAAH, THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ME"
❤❤❤ I real respect you iron lady
wow i am also Roofbolter operator underground trackless mining for DS411 Sandvik here in South Africa 🇿🇦 mining
I love your spirit energy and confidence big up mi darling ❤ .
Foreigners choose to move/work there. It's by no means an appealing and cozy place to live.
Harsh climate, harsh politics.
Why are they surprised? Plenty could go wrong if they were more open in terms of housing and voting to foreigners. The history the place itself is pretty self explanatory and cautionary.
Some of them are a bunch of entitled misfits with no place to go probably
THE RULE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT YOU HAD TO HAVE SOME WHERE TO LIVE BEFORE MOVING THERE WHY DO PEOPLE EXPECT A TOWN TO CHANGE THAT RULE FOR THEM ITS SO CRAZY!! HAVE YOU A PLACE TO LIVE BEFORE MOVING TO THAT PLACE PERIOD!!!
I wonder if the journalist who made this video was *trying* to make the viewer feel sympathetic to the plight of these foreigners. Or if they were trying to make us feel angry at them ? I got angry. So if that was the intention, well done !
excellent report!
Bottom line, Svalbard is sovereign Norwegian territory. Yes, they have a visa free work arraignment but that doesn't mean foreigners go there to enjoy all the rights of Norwegians without being citizens. If you are not sponsored by a company to work then guess what? You have to figure out how you are going to survive, welcome do adulting. Foreigners who have lived there for years and expect agency in Norwegian territory without being Norwegian is pure entitlement. For Americans, just because most people speak English doesn't mean you have a free pass. Learn the language, again, it's Norwegian territory. If the government decides to enact restrictions to favor Norwegians then guess what? Deal with it or be on your way.
Having lived in a place for a long time doesn't necessarily grant one status, this is always a known risk that one gotta take.
Why complain about policy of a country you have moved to voluntarily? I don't get it. This is no Bahamas...
She was asked about her thoughts and shared them. She has a right to advocate to make the place she has made home better, for her and her fellow Svalbard residents. That’s what a pluralistic society is supposed to embrace. If they want to close the island off from everyone except native Norwegians, that’s their prerogative. They chose to make this place open to anyone who would contribute. They should listen to their chosen people.
worlds cutest coal minder
I love Cecilia Blomdahls videos, but I don't care about Svalbard or Longyearbyen. No amount of money could get me to live there. To me it's a prison. No daylight for 2 whole months, and frigid cold until the month of April is a prison sentence. I wouldn't be worried or bothered about not being able to vote. Life is challenging enough there, with or without voting. Trees grow in Siberia but not Svalbard. That says a lot. People aren't meant to live so far north. All of the birds, for instance, move south for the winter. The place should be left for the Polar Bears to live there in peace in the winter. It's their land, they're made for living there. As for human residents, being so far north, the residents of Svalbard are totally sustained by what's imported from the Norwegian mainland. In return for this, you must have a means of employment, if you are to live there. There's no social welfare. Despite having work, I'd imagine many people are very psychologically challenged by the dark cold winters there. Many leave after a year or two, I reckon.
The Russian-Ukrainian woman complains. The Svalbard website makes it very clear that accommodation and work must be secured before arriving there. The town is very small and even locals find it hard to secure a home. Given the situation in Ukraine now she could go back. Millions have. Svalbard has around fifty two different nationalities at any one time. Interesting place. It's on my list to visit.
You're not welcome there.
@@cassiusdhami9215 not welcome in Svalbard? Not true. Long term rental accommodation to live there is very limited. The town is small.
She literally said she's Russian with a Ukrainian passport, not Ukrainian with a Russian background, or Ukrainian with Russian ethnicity. Which means she doesn't feel Ukrainian and doesn't identify with that country. She could easily migrate to Russia, that's the country she identifies with, and get Russian citizenship immediately.
@@piotrb4240but why would she do that? She knows Russia is a totalitarian hellscape, which is why she's fleeing.
She was asked about her thoughts and shared them. She has a right to advocate to make the place she has made home better, for her and her fellow Svalbard residents. That’s what a pluralistic society is supposed to embrace. If they want to close the island off from everyone except native Norwegians, that’s their prerogative. They chose to make this place open to anyone who would contribute. They should listen to their chosen people.
Wait. So before these rules, foreigners could come to Svalbard, vote, get help with housing, and run for Mayor?
I would like a 3 bedroom cabin right next to the sea, someone build it for me.
They could vote and run for office but the government did NOT provide help with housing.
I don't have an issue with this at all - this is a Norweigan location; it should be mainly for Norweigans. If you find work there, then it isn't unreasonable that you have to find your own way.
I hate when foreigners complain about countries.
Svalbard is not a country and it does not belong to Norway. It belongs to everybody. Norway just administrates it.
@@boejidenwrong
@@NorwegianShedhunter From the treaty itself: All citizens and all companies of every nation under the treaty are allowed to become residents and to have access to Svalbard including the right to fish, hunt or undertake any kind of maritime, industrial, mining or trade activity
@@NorwegianShedhunter also the treaty adds: without discrimination
Yes Celelia is great .....her work is great
They cannot build easily and make more room, hence the housing shortage. Valeriya could move to the Norwegian mainland. Svalbard is a very small, remote community, why does a Seattle activist choose to go there to force a Norwegian island to become less Norwegian? Why should non-Norwegians get a vote? Why would local foreigners get to run for Mayor?
I have travelled to many different countries and l follow the rules that my Kindergarten teacher Ms. Reily taught me and my classmates and I apply those rules when travelling.
1) Pay attention
2) Be polite when asking questions.
3) Behave
4) Use my indoor voice when inside.
5) Be respectful of others.
6) Follow the laws.
5:45 What are those structures?
I think wagons of coal used to go from the mine to some other area with those structures, don't know the names but I have seen similar structures in northern Russia.
This video makes it seem much more of a big deal than it actually is. Also, there are some strange viepoints in this video, in my opinion. Considering the history of Svalbard, the Spitsbergen Treaty, the fact that even though it's part of Norway it's technically not 100% sovereign Norwegian territory, and that Longyearbyen is a small visa free town in the far arctic north, it seems a bit strange that the government is so concerned about it not "being Norwegian enough". What exactly did they expect? Simultaneously, there are pathways to citizenship, and foreigners chose to move there. Expecting the government to find a home for you, and thinking you should be able to participate in democracy as a non-citizen is crazy. Despite having a few benifits, Norwegian citizens are still expected to be almost completely self sufficient there, just like everyone else. At the end of the day, even though it's not like the mainland, it's still Norwegian territory.
If I am a stranger, I adapt and learn the language. I try to integrate into the culture.
You are completely free to move somewhere else on Svalbard.
Wait, you can vote just by staying for 3 years? And foreigners still get angry? LOLOLOL
the uptight Seattlite needed a political cause, naturally. she's done now tho of course. she can go back to Seattle and protest for "defunding the police" 🤣
They want to replace the local authorities with their own people as quickly as possible,like they can hire hundreds of people for a couple days to come around voting day to overwhelm the Norwegian. 😂
I think it would have been better if Svalbard made it clear from the start that it’s still essentially Norway, just like the Foroe Islands are Denmark. It has that visa-free rule, but still Norway, and hence prioritises Norwegian citizens, while at the same time welcomes foreign work forces. I think it’s not making that distinction clear enough and the misunderstanding can indeed occur. You can’t expect people from such diverse backgrounds, culturally and politically, to get it without some clear explanation. I don’t call it entitlement, just expectations. make it clear before they’re allowed to settle down and work in Svalbard.
It was unique and thrilled watching documentary shared by an excellent ( DW)documentary channel...thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
If the Seattle lady is moving away, maybe the Ukrainian lady can get her apartment. As others of us know from Cecilia Blomdahl's videos, it's virtually impossible to find limited housing in Longyearbyen, nor is the village all that interested in expanding.
I am not a citizen of my country. I live and work and do okay. I don't try to dictate policy. I don't vote and who cares? Why do I care who is the mayor.
The fact that it's almost impossible to order food in Norwegian say it all. Local authorities are in no way obliged to provide permanent accommodating to foreigners.
There you have it folks. The "good" people of Norway.
@@cassiusdhami9215 What does it have to do with being good or not? It's not some sanctuary city open to everybody that decides to go there.
@cyberfunk3793 it kind of is though
@@cassiusdhami9215Yeah right, "Foreigners this, foreigners that"
You're all welcome
@@jcbl62 They have no obligation to offer housing to everyone, the treaty says nothing of the sort.
Very interesting movie for me as a (mainland) Norwegian. I didn’t know about this increasing xenophobia. Why can’t the government just offer courses in Norwegian language like they do for forwigners on the mainland?
BTW: good to hear that the last coal mine is closing!
You want your people replaced.
In the times of internet why would you need classes? Norwegian is decently easy language, you have plenty of apps that are better than classes, you have plenty of Norwegian television and also you have Norwegians on the island, so i don't think you need classes. I would be ashamed to even say idk the language after 4 years of living surrounded by that language.
@skunkwarzone it is true, though. There is a lot of controversy on Svalbard regarding the voting system and even many Norwegians are against it. Foreigners and Norwegians live on Svalbard in symbiosis and you cannot simply exclude a group from participating in political and social ife. I don't think it's unfair to say that success of Svalbard depends on foreigners as much as it does on locals.
@@brunoslavv because you cannot build a community with an app and building a community is what Norwegian goverment wants to do. For this, people need to feel included. You have to understand, that population of Longyerbyen is only 2000 of very isolated people. This is a group that live very closely together. You simply cannot create artificial divisions as you risk dismantling the society that was created there.
Well, you learn the language and then get into the community easier, how can that woman conplain when she didn’t learn no norwegian in 4 years, especially when you need it so much.
And its not artificial division, if you dont speak language you are dividing yourself. Its common sense division. If i would go to Finland and feel divided because finnish don’t adapt to me, then problem is me.
I have dreams of visiting countless first world countries, but getting there and dictation laws, I can't...
Yeah, it's pretty sad, some first worlders don't get it, they can visit like 190 countries visa free.
While my country has worse visa than Iran and North Korea somehow.
We aren't even that poor and haven't even commited any ethnic cleansing in at least 34 years.
I don't want to seek asylum in a richer country or anything, I just want to go see some old Norwegian churches yknow.
Unfortunately even getting a 3 month visa in a first world country is near impossible for me.
It's really sad honestly, westerners have no idea how lucky they are.
@@notfunny3397I agree with everything you say except last part. Whatever means, in some cases very bad, such as imperialism or colonialism, they not just achieved that status but managed to keep it intact. Especially Scandinavian countries. I do not know they practising colonialism or imperialism even in earlier generations but I maybe am wrong.
Point is, what can they do. Even if one want to move there, temporarily or permanently, they have experienced that there are way too many people who wouldnt integrate than those who will. Not only that, there many who go there on short term visa and then change it to different type. I dont see an answer really. I have come to a conclusion that at some point I your life you come to stage that you end up thinking "I will make a small clean place for myself. Without consciously bothering anyone. Since I am human being with desires."
@@neelroy2918 I don't think you quite get it.
Swedish people (or most countries in the western world), can freely enter my country with little to preparation for at least 6 months, all they need is their passport.
It's not race or ethnicity, it's their passport that gives them this power.
A lot of foreign nationals also turn my country into their "summer home", buying a beach house and everything.
On the other hand, I can't even easily visit their country for a pilgrimage, unless I fulfill a pretty hard to achieve set of requirements. Especially since fees are set to account for first world nationals.
And this might sound weird or hard to believe to you if you live in a rich country, but most people don't want to leave their own country to become a minority in a other.
You might think that way, because you get a lot of refugees or immigrants, but there are way more people who choose not to move countries than those who do, it's just that there a lot of people in the world, so there a lot of people who move even though they make a small part of the population.
Tldr, one of the only reasons I want to emigrate to a rich western country is to gain citizenship, so that I can travel the world.
@@notfunny3397 I am not from rich country.
The reason that people from rich countries enter without visa to poor countries because poor countries want, nay need, their money. So getting easy access other way around wont happen (poor nationals to rich countries with ease).
Well, I dont want to travel the world, but for one reason or other there are couple of countries I have in mind where I want to try become citizen. But fortunately for native people in those countries ;-), it may not be possible. Mainly because of age I am approaching.
The reason for me saying this is, if you have a good reason for wanting to be citizen of some wealthy country, I would suggest you make _really_ long term plan, _knowing that_ you might fail for couple if not few times. This is the world we live in. All the best!
@@neelroy2918 thanks, and all the best to you too.
In your case, despite all the stuff you see online, most people in rich countries don't actually mind people of other ethnicities as long as they do their part, so depending on the country, I'm sure you will be accepted somewhere.
This is so interesting
Thanks for watching!
If you want to vote do it in your own country 😂😂
Why should Svalbard provide you a home when you decided to move there and work??? Don't go to another land demanding change, or demanding provisions. Accept the policies in place when you make your decisions! This documentary is infuriating! Foreigners demanding and sulking. Move then! Svalbard is Norwegian! (May sound harsh, but it's so tiring when people try to change another country's policies to suit their personal needs and wants. Go away!)
I agree. It is made by DW "Deutsche Welle". One of the many super woke german channels funded by the german taxpayer who have enough of one sided news and documentaries but can't escape them. It follows a simple pattern: strangers are always so so good and an enrichment and are owed the world. The normal citizens are being labeled far right if they have doubts about this propaganda.
I see diversity is strength ideology is being pushed even on an island like Svalbard.
Definitely not a strength. If they let too many people in the lack of housing will only worsen the situation
Humanity needs to find a balance between "diversity ideology" and privincial, nationalistic ideology. Pushing for and focusing too much either way creates racism and intolerance.
They chose to move there, and yet the ęntitlement of some of these pęople...
I vote for Grimm for Mayor 😊
Bro that "activist" is a foreigner!
You can thank Russia for this. Norway has read the tea leaves and is preparing itself to not a get a nasty surprise.
music / sound is so loud compared to talking in this video.
Excellent video…thank you
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
I wouldn't even go to that cold desolate place for nothing
All that matters is Sidja Group keeping the White Vault contained at Ny-Alesund.
Won't there a glut of accommodation when the mines close?
Oh my bucket list.. :((
Been on mine for a while!!🙏🏾🙏🏾
It would be great if ppl coming to the US would have a job and pay for their own housing to live here!
More mining stuff please
I missed better coverage and explanation of the Svalbard treaty and a journalistic approach to how the Norwegian government is fearful that Russia will make a move. Trutnev made treats regarding this in February 2024 and it can explain a lot in this video and/or give better context and should have been included.
Even in Cities like Berlin you can often only order food in english.. nothing special anymore
I was in Essen (25 years ago!) - and I could only order food in Turkish :-). Well except for the pig slop in the factory mess... (elderly German ladies asking you what flavor sauce you wanted with your pork).
Yes, but she was saying it's hard too order food in Norwegian. You can still order food in German in Berlin.
@@Davey-Boyd in many places in Berlin you can NOT since the staff only speaks english and no german!
Ok so the govt needs to make the area appealing for locals. Incentives or something !
It’s Norwegian, they decide who stay or go! We should do the same everywhere in Europe. We have overflow of African and middle west migrants !
Good on them. We should adapt the same in the US.
I think there is a cultural divide when the economy changed to tourism…many questions not covered…are there enough jobs and housing for people to stay? If not then there has to be limits, and the local govt has every right to set the limits under the treaty.
Why not build more houses, if there are jobs and demand?
I think the answer might refer the question. If svalbard was regular territory, building new houses in light of jobs (tourism) would be straightforward. But it's open to all. If it becomes big enough, which it would if allowed, it would create way too many problems.
If it was profitable, I'm sure it would be done. The demand is seasonal. The mines have their own housing, and when that ends, it will likely be repurposed for others. It's not the government's job to find housing for random foreigners and their dogs.
@@neelroy2918 then it looks like Norway wants to have the cake and eat it.
It's because of the geography and geology of the town, and because there are restrictions on where you can build towns because it is a heavily protected environment... so, not a whole lot of space to just build more houses. It is a very profitable trade though
2:15 how is safety top priority if you can see the dust literally in the air, but she isn’t wearing a mask to protect her lungs?
It’s not dust that you see at 2:15. The mine is at 0 degrees, what you can see is condensation from me breathing. I placed one bolt and we went out of the mine again. The only reason i am not wearing a mask is because of the short time underground and for the microphone to pick up my voice. Hope this helps :)
The rent is over priced there you would think it would be cheap or free but no it's expensive
The entitlement of some people.... Demanding to arrive in a Norwegian village on a clear specified treaty and then complaining.
i wish Australia was this strict
Do you mean that the Aboriginal Australians should have been stricter with the British colonizers?
@@waldemarsikorski4759 they were nomadic. dont believe too much about land rights that the media and people have twisted into a good story.. their boomerangs were big sticks they threw at animals and never came back lol
Way to go mate, showing our racist underbelly 🙄🙄
I don’t know why one has t😢live on the mainland first! Why can’t you vote after 3 years in Svalbard!?
Because Svalbard is visa free, and mainland Norway isn't.
making the miner safer, while breathing dust....
It feels like it's full of influencers. Yuck.
Protect your land your country. Everyone else is a guest only.
I liked the documentary but it is misleading. As others have said, why are you trying to state the Norwegians must accept foreigners on Svalbard on what already has limited resources. It's arrogant to think a country that is not your native area should give you everything. Sometimes I feel journalists make situations worse. What do you want the place to do, let anyone move in, stay and vote regardless if they live there? You could adopt a different angle - it's welcoming of people but to prevent untipping the balance for its residents it has to put restrictions in place...
Welcome to Norway, verdens beste land for all sorts of discrimination against anything that doesn't fit their narrow social norms.
beautiful but very pointless place. why would anyone live there ??
Extremely low taxes, Very safe and calm, Beautiful nature, Visa free, Great people
@@boejiden sure but there’s no life. No society ( 2000 people only) and no variety of activities. There’s only so many times you gonna go hiking in the same terrain or go to the same bar over and over… seems like you’d have to trade in your life for such a pointless place
@@Brian_Moser1118 there are many activities you can do. Hunting, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, swimming, going to the gym, paragliding, skiing, hiking, etc. All these activities are popular there. It's not dead at all. Also, there are dozens of restaurants and bars, and they are much better and filled with more interesting people than on the mainland.
Sounds like you are the one with the pointless life if you can't see such opportunities.
@@boejiden you can list all the activities it’s still the same terrain all over and same waters. And same very small downtown. I’m saying this with a reference. I’ve lived in tiny towns.
@Brian_Moser1118 you have a lot more to explore than you think, and the place doesn't matter. People matter and have good community and friends. Big city people are often very lonely.
Racust policies can never excused if they are put in pkace to exclude 40% of the people, who actually pay taxes to Norway.
I assume they will throw russians out soon.
I want to find a work in Svalbard and living there for a while just for a life span experience. That's so different.
I could live there. Retired military man with a vasectomy. 😆
Nah thanks I would not visit let alone live there even if they pay me. A Six months night no way.
Svalbard was given to Norway just to administer Svalbard… but I think Norway Government is currently not capable of administering Svalbard… I think two more countries from the treaty should be added in administrative services… of which both the countries should be from different continents…
I think that resident peoples are entitled to decide who stays and who goes. Everywhere!
If one doesn't like it ... well ...
The non-Norwegians are residents too, they should get to decide this and other matters the same way the Norwegian locals do; by voting
Says who?
Says what?
huh ?
Says what?
This is Norway. Follow their rule.
Why would you even go and live there?
low taxes.
I was going to too say how do ppl make money but I see now high paying mine workers make a living I would consider doin that wow she speaks good English love you
I think nationalism is a stupid idea. Let industrious folks come from across the planet and give them equal rights as your citizens and then watch your fiscal health grow.
Ask any indian faced with illegal infiltration