Tanzanian Association Oslo

Easier for work migrants

to change employers

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is making clear demands on employers who recruit foreign workers. Simplification of the regulatory framework makes it possible for work migrants to change employers when they experience social dumping and notify the authorities of poor working conditions.

The Director General of the UDI, Ida Børresen encourages foreign employees who are exploited to notify the relevant authorities. The new regulations give the work migrants the possibility to change employer while they live and work in Norway.

When working condition does not conform to the regulations, the UDI can revoke the employee’s work permit. Such an unfortunate consequence can affect the employee who notifies of exploitation and social dumping.

- In order to prevent social dumping it is important that, the UDI, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the Police and other civil services gets the necessary information on the breach of the regulations. We therefore encourage work migrants who notify of exploitation or violation of the law to change employer so that they are not affected, says Director General of the UDI, Ida Børresen.

There are two different regulations that are relevant for work migrants. The difference is between those who comprise of the EU/EEA and the EFTA- regulations, and those who are not. Those who have a permit in accordance to the EU/EEA and the EFTA- regulations are not tied to a specific employer. These employees can therefore change employer whenever they want.

Persons, who come from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTA area, must apply for a new work permit when they change employer. Simplification in the regulation has, however, made it possible for this group of applicants to start working, as soon as an application for a work permit for a new employer has been submitted.

This change in the regulation can make it easier for work migrants who are exploited to notify the authorities of poor working conditions and change their empoyers.

The UDI wishes to assist the employers in this important task of recruiting an adequate work force. At the same time, the UDI cooperates with the police and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority to ensure that the grounds on which the permits are granted are still upheld. In the case where an employer does not conform to the agreement in a contract, the UDI can react by revoking the permits and in certain situations the directorate can consider reporting to the police.

Last updated: 18.04.2008
Published: 18.04.2008