Norway to Extend Residence Permits for Foreign Workers

The Norwegian authorities have announced that foreign workers who are currently residing in Norway will have their residence permits extended.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, following the changes that the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs made to the Immigration Regulations, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

The amendment will allow foreign workers who are currently in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic to renew their residence permit and stay in the country for more than six consecutive months, provided that they have tested negative against the Coronavirus.

“There are several hundred workers in the country that can now have their residence permit extended. It will alleviate acute problems with some producers who lack manpower,” the Minister of Agriculture and Food Olaug Bollestad said, commenting on the Government’s decision.

Furthermore, he emphasised that agriculture, especially the green industry is in a challenging situation. Thus, the extension of residence permits is a crucial decision that has to be taken for the future of the industry.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry, this decision is highly beneficial for the industry as it needs more seasonal workers for the summer seasons.

The COVID-19 situation caused significant agricultural challenges due to border shuts and quarantine requirements that lead to a shortage of foreign workers, mainly affecting the fruit, vegetable, and berry sector, which needs thousands of seasonal workers during the year.

Except for retaining the workers who are already in Norway, in a previous announcement made back in March, the authorities mentioned that they are considering two other approaches as well. One of the approaches suggested using the available Norwegian workers, and the other one suggested facilitating labours access for citizens residing out of Norway who have the required expertise.

In addition to that, the Ministry explained that solutions to resolve labour shortage in the agriculture sector are its main priority as the industry is facing extensive hardships. Thus, the Government is actively working to create access for foreign workers within the framework that infection controls allow.

Previously, Norway introduced an entry scheme for essential foreign workers, which has been operating since February. The scheme allows companies to bring essential workers who have the technical expertise and are needed to assemble, disassemble, examine, repair, maintain, and inform regarding the use of different technical equipment.

The country also announced that daily commuters from its neighbouring countries, Sweden and Finland, will now be allowed to work in Norway, but under more stringent rules.