Norway PM sees billions in extra costs to cope with asylum seekers

Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway addresses attendees during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, September 30, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

OSLO (Reuters) - Norway may have to spend an extra 40 to 50 billion crowns (£3.2 billion-£4.1 billion) over the next five years to cope with a rising number of people seeking asylum, Prime Minister Erna Solberg told parliament on Tuesday.

Norway has seen a rising number of people seeking asylum in recent months, albeit fewer than neighbours Sweden or Finland. Some 20,000-25,000 people are expected to arrive in 2015, rising to over 30,000 next year. Norway has 5.2 million inhabitants.