Norway to open its borders for entry by seasonal agricultural workers

‘I am pleased that we are now able to amend the rules so that seasonal agricultural workers from countries outside the EEA can come to Norway,’ said Minister of Agriculture and Food Olaug Bollestad. ‘This is vital for the sector. A large number of producers in Norway have relied on seasonal workers from third countries for many years. Under the amended rules, they will be able to get the labour they need,’ Ms Bollestad said.

‘It is important to lift restrictions where we can as long as the infection situation in Norway allows this. That is why we are now making it possible for seasonal workers from third countries to come to Norway. I must nevertheless remind employers that there will still be some practical problems due to the ongoing pandemic,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Monica Mæland.

Even though it will now be possible for seasonal agricultural workers to enter Norway, there will still be practical problems. For example, most of Norway’s visa application centres in other countries are closed until further notice and the number of flights available is limited.

‘The Government is constantly striving to strike the right balance between the need for infection control measures and other important public interests,’ Ms Mæland said.

It is important to remember that all seasonal workers who arrive in Norway from other countries must comply with the quarantine rules in force at any given time.