In reply to Jim C:
I think it's an attempt to prevent the right wing taking greater hold, by showing they are treating folk equally. Not sure on Norway, but Sweden and Denmark don't have endless non contributory unemployment / benefits schemes, you pretty much get what you pay in and personal wealth can also be a factor, once your insurance element runs out after 12mths.
Unskilled - 99% of those coming now fall into that bracket.
Immigration historically here goes in waves or phases. Many years ago, 5 plus, you got the mega rich, they moved their money and assets then flew probably business or 1st class to their chosen land. Then as things got worse the middle classes, took what they could and exited, still with funds to live a comfortable life especially once they were given money for subsistence by country x or y.
Then finally you get those with less money, zero assets and probably much less educated or qualified, who get to their chosen land by fair means or foul. Skilled educated people don't usually need to risk drowning in the Med etc.. they had the means to leave years early.
Most immigrants have extra money though, they get around the equiv of £30 a week here for living expenses, but they seem to smoke, have a mobile, many run cars, shop for clothes... so I'm not personally too worried if the assets they arrive with are being looked at. If you are genuine fleeing suffering then paying towards your own food and accommodation shouldn't be a concern, everyone else has to do that anyway.
The people who the EU should be worrying about are those who did not fall into any of these brackets and are those still stuck in Syria, the ill, vulnerable etc..