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Brits in Norway became concerned after being warned that they would have to apply for a residence permit after Brexit before the New Year. UDI now states that the majority has applied and can stay.
After the UK leaves the EU and EEA. British people in Norway and their families could remain under the same conditions for a transitional period. But from January 1, they must adapt to the new law.
- We received many inquiries over the course of the year, both by phone and e-mail, says the director of residences, Karl Erik Sjøholt, at the Immigration Service (UDI).
UDI has no reliable data on how many Brits are currently in Norway, but in the fall of 2021, 17 Brits received an email saying they should apply for a permit or reserve a residence card and how to do so.
As of December 16, 18 Britons applied for a permit or ordered a residence card, in accordance with the new regulations. Of all the applications, we still have around 223 applications pending. There are also Brits waiting to meet the police to obtain a residence card. But anyone who has applied can stay in Norway until a final decision is made on the case, Sjøholt assures.
Nobody is kicked out
Based on UDI statistics, it is believed that the vast majority of Britons in Norway has now applied for authorization in accordance with the regulations Brexit or ordered a residence card. But in the case of the few who, for various reasons, did not submit the application. UDI may make an exception to the deadline if there are good reasons why the deadline was not met.
- Turning to the police force can be a challenge for some senior UK citizens. However, the rights under the separation agreement are secured when the application or residence card order is submitted on time. An appointment with the police for the issuance of a residence card may be postponed until the person can appear, says Sjøholt.
Just a few rejections
As of December 16, decisions were taken in 11 cases. Only some applications from family members are rejected.
So far, no British citizen has been rejected under Brexit rules. Cases where there are doubts as to whether the conditions have been met have been sent from the police to UDI for consideration. UDI now has 1060 cases to deal with, says Sjøholt.
If you did not receive the final documents. You can still confirm your right to stay in Norway with various documents as a receipt for your application for a residence permit. Norway has submitted a number of documents to the EU that can prove the right of residence when crossing the border. UDI will notify the EU that its validity will be extended until 1 July 2022.
Source: NTB
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