Following years of debate, the Norwegian authorities has lastly introduced the top to its controversial au pair program. Right here’s what’s occurred, and why.
A helpful cultural trade program or a manner for rich Norwegians to use low-cost labour? The controversy on the follow of hiring an au pair (a type of ‘live-in nanny’) in Norway has raged for a very long time. However now, the talk has come to an finish.
Again in 2023, we wrote about how the Norwegian authorities was contemplating ending the au pair program. That change has now been confirmed in a decisive transfer from the federal government.
From March 15 this 12 months, no additional au pair purposes from residents of nations exterior the European Financial Space will probably be accepted by Norway.
The Execs and Cons of Au Pairs
Initially, the concept behind the Norwegian au pair program was one in all cultural trade.
Individuals have been principally younger girls who travelled overseas to stay with a household, study a unique tradition, and a overseas language. In return, the participant would offer child-minding and lightweight housekeeping companies.
In Norway, there was a selected residence allow for au pairs. Usually, profitable candidates have been granted a allow to stay in Norway for as much as two years.
Over time, the idea of the au pair program modified. Only a few Norwegians took half in this system. Most au pairs coming to Norway have been younger girls from the Philippines.
In recent times, there have been many tales within the media of Norwegians utilizing this system to avoid Norway’s in any other case robust labour legal guidelines. Many younger girls had been exploited by their host households to work lengthy hours as family servants.
Some circumstances ended up in court docket, with some Norwegians even serving jail time over the abuse and exploitation of their au pairs.
The controversy has been raging since 2019. A authorities minister was among the many individuals investigated by the authorities for doubtlessly misusing this system. Again in 2019, UDI director Frode Forfang addressed the problems in a weblog publish:
“The authorities have at all times tried to implement this as a system for cultural trade, whereas most individuals most likely understand it as a chance to get aid at house. The steadiness right here can also be one of many the explanation why this has lengthy been a controversial association.”
What Occurs Now?
Au pairs already in Norway beneath this system can proceed to work their contracts. Justice minister Emilie Enger Mehl mentioned they might “proceed to be protected towards abuse and exploitation.”
Learn extra: Be taught aboout all issues relocation in our information to transferring to Norway.
Nonetheless, from 15 March, it’s going to now not be attainable for anybody to use for an au pair residence allow. In keeping with the minister, any future want for family assist shall be lined from inside Norway or the European space.
