Norway Permits Foreign Agricultural Seasonal Workers to Enter the Country
Norway’s government has decided to allow seasonal workers in the agricultural sector to enter the country, as the number of infections from the Coronavirus in the country is already slowing down.
Through the new changes, seasonal workers will be eligible to come to Norway even from countries outside the EEA, according to Agriculture and Food Minister Olaug Bollestad (KrF),
He considered this decision important for Norwegian industries, adding that Norway is opening up for employers to get the manpower they need.
“It is important to open up when the infection situation permits in Norway. That is why we now make it possible for seasonal workers from third countries to come to Norway. I still have to remind employers that the contagion situation poses practical challenges,” Minister of Justice Monica Mæland (H) pointed out.
According to her, there may be challenges because even if seasonal agricultural workers are eligible to enter the country, a large share of Norway’s visa application centres is currently closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
“The government is constantly working to find the right balance between the protection of infection and other important social considerations,” Mæland stressed.
It is emphasized that seasonal workers must comply with the quarantine rules applicable at all times upon arrival from abroad.
Previously, Norway decided to extend border controls with other Schengen Countries as part of the country’s efforts to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
According to Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the border controls, which were supposed to expire on May 5, will be in place until May 16, as allowed by Article 28 of the Schengen Border Code.
The Border Code clarifies that this measure taken in the context of cases requiring immediate action must be limited to up to ten days. Yet, if the serious threat to public policy or internal security still exists, this period may be extended by renewable periods of 20 days, up to a maximum of two months.
