Closed borders mean that many EEA nationals are not working in Norway. Now they will receive compensation on the same terms as in the event of losing their job.
Foreign workers working in Norway will now receive income security. This will be under the sickness benefit program due to the border closure from the end of June.
What about employees who are not allowed to enter Norway?
- The situation is very difficult for many foreigners working in Norway and living in other countries. Since the closure of the border on January 29, they have not been able to come to work, and many of them have not received wages. We are now proposing a new compensation system based on the sickness benefit system. This will enable the system to be introduced relatively quickly, says Prime Minister Erna Solberg in a press release.
Another restrictions?
The news is related to the speech of Prime Minister Erna Solberg to the Storting in connection with the situation related to the coronavirus. Among other things, she said that the government will not introduce new measures now, but will introduce a list of measures that will be introduced if the infection persists.
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The new system will apply to EEA-based commuters affected by closed borders. This applies from January 29 and will remain in force until the entry ban for employees is in force.
Specifically, the scheme means that the workers concerned are compensated for 70% of the G6 Illness Benefit base. That is as much as they would have received if they had been fired. The employer will be responsible for paying the amount and will later receive compensation from Nav.
- Many foreign workers have obtained rights under the social security system. As infection rates in Norway increase, we must expect strict entry restrictions for a longer period. It is therefore important that there is a system in place to ensure that disadvantaged workers who do not receive wages still have enough money to live on. This is Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.
As of March 1, commuters who work in Norway and live in border areas in Sweden and Finland have the option of returning to work. They will be able to receive compensation for loss of income in February.
Companies that paid wages in the period prior to the introduction of the scheme will also be able to receive a reimbursement of 70% of the sickness benefit base. Employees who have taken their leave will also be able to receive compensation if they agree with the workplace to change their leave.
