Inhabitants of Russian Settlements to Be Registered in the Population Register of Svalbard
Barentsburg (pictured) and Pyramiden have a total of 340 inhabitants per September 1st, 2024, according to the most recent registration from Trust Arktikugol to the Governor of Svalbard. Among these are 219 from Russia, 57 from Ukraine, 62 from Tajikistan, 1 from Kazakhstan and 1 from South Africa, writes Svalbardposten. The Norwegian Tax Administration in Svalbard is now carrying out an independent registration of people in these settlements. (Photo: Line Nagell Ylvisåker)
For the first time, people living in Barentsburg and Pyramiden will now be entered into the population register of Svalbard. The registration, carried out by the Svalbard Tax Administration, will give the Norwegian authorities a better overview.
Currently, the inhabitants of the Russian settlements Barentsburg and Pyramiden are registered in the Svalbard population register.
This is the first time this has happened, and the registry takes place under the auspices of the Svalbard Tax Administration at the office of the Governor of Svalbard in Barentsburg, writes Svalbardposten.
Previously, Trust Arktikugol, Russia's company in Svalbard, submitted population figures for these settlements to the Governor twice a year.
Now, all inhabitants will receive a D number – a temporary identification number – to be entered into the register. The ongoing registration process will provide the Norwegian authorities with a better overview of the population in Svalbard.
"The Governor, the Svalbard Community Council, we, Statistics Norway, and other [bodies, ed. note] have shared interests in having the data be as correct as possible, regarding both preparedness and statistics. The time was right to register the entire Svalbard population," says Solveig Winther Fosvold, head of the tax administration office, to Svalbardposten.
She points out that the authorities have implemented digital solutions i.a. for identity control since the Svalbard population register policy was implemented in 1994.
More opportunities
The inhabitants of the small settlement at Hornsund and non-Norwegian residents of Ny-Ålesund, where significant international research activity takes place, are also to be registered.
When registered, the inhabitants will receive legal status as permanent residents and thus new rights.
According to the Svalbard Environment Act and related regulations, permanent residents have better opportunities for movement, hunting, and fishing than visitors, among other things.
For example, permanent residents can drive snowmobiles in more areas than visitors, and only permanent residents can hunt Svalbard reindeer and arctic foxes, as well as fish for char or other anadromous salmonids with nets. The right to own or rent cabins in Svalbard is also reserved for permanent residents.
In addition, permanent residents are exempt from environmental tax when traveling to Svalbard and can be granted permission by the Governor to buy alcohol after a monthly quota.
