North participants | South participants
1. Practical information concerning North participants
1.1 Residence and work permits in the host country
The partnership is responsible for obtaining residence and work permits for Norwegian participants. The Secondary Partner will be best placed to provide information on how Norwegian participants should proceed in order to obtain such permits in the host country. This is typically a time-consuming process, so Norwegian participants will need to complete the necessary forms as directed by the Secondary Partner well in advance of departure. A supporting letter from the Primary Partner may be required. Forms, documents and procedures will vary from country to country.
Should insurmountable problems arise when trying to obtain residence and work permits for Norwegian Fredskorpset's participants in a host country, the Norwegian embassy/consulate may be contacted in exceptional cases to (where possible) solve the problem through diplomatic channels. Such contact is not to be made without Fredskorpset's consent.
1.2 Notification of move abroad
Norwegian participants are required to notify their move abroad to the national register in their home municipality (kommune). A form is provided for this purpose and is available at Oslo likningskontor.
Forms for re-establishing official residence in Norway may also be found at this address.
1.3 Allowances
Preparatory course, posting abroad and follow-up activities
The Primary Partner is responsible for payment of the agreed allowance for:
- the period during which the participant attends Fredskorpset’s preparatory course
- the period the participant is posted abroad
- the one-month period in which the participant takes part in follow-up activities.
Payment to participants
The partnership determines how and in which currency participants are to be paid. Where practicable, payment may be transferred to the participant's bank account in Norway. This requires that participant him/herself arranges for funds to be transferred to a local bank for withdrawal in the host country. Alternatively, the allowance can be transferred to the Secondary Partner who then pays participants in the local currency. Partners with local administrative offices and established transfer routines may (where possible) use these to set up an efficient payment scheme for participants, in the local currency.
The partnership also determines the time of payment and the amount, but participants should not have to advance their own money for day-to-day living expenses. A payment plan with a minimum of one month’s disbursement in advance is therefore recommended.
If participants take on greater financial obligations than they are able to handle personally, if they spend all their advance as well as their own funds, and require extra financial support from the partnership in order to manage, this is to be considered a breach of the participant agreement. It must be emphasised that the embassies/consulates have extreme reservations about offering assistance in such cases.
In addition to allowances paid to participants, several other expenses are budgeted for, including housing expenses and expenses for setting up in the host country. See Grant calculation sheet and Guidelines for grant calculation.
1.4 Holidays
The terms and conditions of the Norwegian Holidays Act apply to all Fredskorpset participants, and cannot be deviated from by agreement between the employer and employee. The Holidays Act provides for matters such as the length of holidays, holiday periods, calculation of holiday pay and payment of holiday pay.
Any holiday should be taken by agreement with the Secondary Partner, in conformance with the provisions of the Holidays Act. Fredskorpset participants should also observe the public holiday system of the host country.
Holiday pay is included in the allowance itemised in the Grant calculation sheet; see also Guidelines for grant calculation.
1.5 Pension arrangements
Fredskorpset participants accumulate normal pension entitlements in accordance with the regulations of Norway’s National Insurance Scheme. Fredskorpset does not allocate grants for compulsory or voluntary membership of supplementary pension schemes.
Fredskorpset participants employed in the Norwegian public service and working at least 14 hours per week are required to be members of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse). The Fund entitles members to full disability and dependents’ cover for as long as they are employed, and also gives entitlement to a contractual pension, disability and dependents’ pension on leaving public service, if they have served for at least three years (deferred entitlement). Employees who have previously accumulated membership time in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will continue accumulating membership time during their term under Fredskorpset. Any subsequent public service appointment will give the same entitlement to accumulate membership time.
For many participants, the commitment to the employer (Primary Partner) will be restricted solely to the timespan of the project. Certain categories of employee are exempted from compulsory membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, but this does not apply to Fredskorpset participants. Provisions in the Pensions Act for individual exemptions from compulsory membership have been applied exclusively to individuals employed for a term of less than three years, who have not previously been members of the Fund, and who are covered by another, equivalent public service pension scheme. This exemption will not be generally applicable. Any application for exemption from membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund must be made by individuals themselves to ensure that they are fully apprised of which entitlements will be lost if an application for exemption is granted.
More information about the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is available (also in English) at www.spk.no.
Please note that compulsory membership may also apply in the municipal or private sectors.
1.6 Booking tickets
Fredskorpset's funding of the project in question is through a grant. This means that Fredskorpset does not refund actual expenses, but allocates a contractually agreed amount to the project. This in turns means that participants’ travel to and from the host country, as well as any other travel by participants during the posting abroad (see the participant agreement) must be covered by the grant.
The principal rule is that all travel must be undertaken by the cheapest possible means. Partners will need to book tickets well in advance in order to be sure of finding the cheapest travel option.
Heitmann Travel AS (see below) may be used for booking travel to and from the host country.
Bookings should be placed with the travel agent via e-mail, fax or telephone, making reference to Fredskorpset. All bookings will be made on the basis of the lowest possible price, even though this may not mean the quickest or shortest travel route.
Combining outward/homeward bound travel to and from the host country with private stopovers or destinations en route is not an option under this scheme.
Heitmann Travel AS
Telephone: 23 10 24 00
Fax: 22 20 14 60
E-mail: heitmann@heitmann.no
1.7 Taxation
All persons resident in Norway are liable for taxation, even when temporarily resident abroad. The tax liability applies to all property and income in Norway and abroad. The tax liability ceases only if a posting abroad is of at least four years' duration.
The following conditions also apply
Fredskorpset participants have Norwegian employers with a duty to report all income paid to the participants. The allowance paid to the participants by the Primary Partner counts as salary for tax purposes. Fredskorpset participants will be required to file a tax return and will be tax-assessed in their local municipality as usual.
Norway has taxation agreements with several countries. The purpose of these is to avoid double taxation and to prevent tax evasion. The particulars of such agreements will vary from country to country. A list of the countries Norway has taxation agreements with is available at www.finans.dep.no
According to the Taxation Act, tax exemption on earned income for employment outside Norway may be granted when the overseas employment is for a term of at least 12 months. The earlier requirement that taxpayers must document tax liability as a resident in the posting country no longer applies. Taxpayers may claim a tax reduction of an amount corresponding to the proportion of tax due from income earned for work abroad.
The allowance paid by the Primary Partner through Fredskorpset’s grant will be regarded as deriving from a public Norwegian source. If the allowance is paid to finance the salary for a named individual, it will be covered by the provisions of the taxation agreements on public service, even if it is paid through a private employer. It should be noted that the rule on tax exemption on earned income does not apply to those countries with which Norway has a taxation agreement and that Norway, under the taxation agreement, holds the exclusive taxation entitlement to the income. In practice this will apply to earnings from a public service employer (see above). The rule will thus have any bearing only on Fredskorpset participants posted to countries with which Norway does not have taxation agreements, or who receive wages paid by a private employer (in addition to the allowance paid through Fredskorpset’s grant) in cases where Norway has a taxation agreement with the posting country.
The tax exemption on earned income is to be effected by including the income earned abroad in the tax base in Norway and reducing the total tax liability by an amount corresponding to the proportion deriving from income earned abroad.
As regards taxation in the host country, the Secondary Partner will need to provide the participant with information and practical assistance.
How much tax a participant actually has to pay on allowances received depends on several factors, including tax district in Norway, the host country, together with any property owned, debt, marital status, etc. Fredskorpset is therefore unable to give any answer as to what the tax due during a stay abroad will be. This must be investigated in each individual participant's specific case.
To a certain extent, Fredskorpset’s grant for allowances and other benefits allows for taxation, but Fredskorpset does not guarantee a net amount to either the participant or partner. Ultimately, it will be up to the individual Primary Partner and participant to ascertain the tax consequences of a given set of circumstances and consider whether Fredskorpset’s contribution is adequate. This should be settled as part of the feasibility study.
The tax office in the municipality of residence will be able to provide more detailed information regarding tax legislation.
More information about tax is available at www.skatteetaten.no
1.9 Insurance
National Insurance Scheme
Membership of the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) is compulsory for Fredskorpset participants. Fredskorpset participants are required to retain their membership, with full medical and pension entitlements, during their posting abroad.
Fredskorpset participants are salaried by Norwegian employers who are obliged to pay employer's National Insurance contributions, and they therefore remain, by obligation, members of the National Insurance Scheme during postings abroad of up to 12 months. This membership incorporates all chapters of the Norwegian National Insurance Act and automatically entitles participants to utvidet stønad til helsetjenester under uteoppholdet. (extended cover during the posting abroad). In this case, there is no obligation to complete the form ‘Søknad om medlemskap i folketrygden under opphold utenfor Norge’ (Application for membership of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme during residence outside Norway). However, it is recommended that all Fredskorpset participants complete this form. Each participant will then receive from the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad detailed information regarding rights and obligations. Persons granted a tax exemption by their tax office on income earned abroad should still send the form to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad so that the office can collect the contribution, which would otherwise be deducted together with tax. The most natural solution would be for the Primary Partner to pay the participant’s insurance premiums to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad, and then deduct the cost of the ongoing payments from the participant’s salary.
Under Norwegian law, in case of postings abroad lasting more than 12 months, membership of the National Insurance Scheme is voluntary. For Fredskorpset participants, however, membership of the scheme is required, and voluntary membership must be applied for. The ‘Application for membership of the National Insurance Scheme during residence outside Norway’ (see above) must be submitted to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad. The Primary Partner should be cited in the application as the participant's representative in Norway. If the participant earns taxable income during the posting abroad, the Primary Partner will receive a giro form for quarterly payment of the National Insurance contribution. In this way, the Primary Partner functions as a link between the participant and the National Insurance Office.
During residence outside Norway for voluntary members, the contribution is paid to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad. The National Insurance Office or the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad will be able to provide additional information regarding alternative forms of cover and National Insurance contribution rates for voluntary membership. Fredskorpset does not allocate a grant to cover the costs of such voluntary membership.
Voluntary membership lapses when participants return to Norway. On their return, participants once again become compulsory members of the National Insurance Scheme in their municipality of residence.
Claims for reimbursement of medical expenses should as a rule be sent to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad, and reimbursement is based on production of receipts. The National Insurance Scheme covers only bills that have been paid, and not those sent directly from a doctor/hospital abroad.
Participants should submit any claim through the Primary Partner, who will endorse the claim form. The Primary Partner undertakes to advance the expenses for their participants abroad. The Primary Partner may subsequently submit a claim for reimbursement to the National Office for Social Insurance Abroad.
The deadline for submitting a claim is six months from the date the bill was issued. Claims submitted more than six months after the date of issue will be rejected.
The Primary Partner should obtain confirmation that the participants are members of the National Insurance Scheme.
The National Insurance Scheme’s regulations on covering of costs due to illness while abroad are available at: www.trygdeetaten.no.
Supplementary insurance
In addition to the cover provided by the National Insurance Scheme, the Primary Partner is required to take out supplementary insurance for each participant. Fredskorpset has an agreement with the insurance company Europeiske Reiseforsikring for a product that includes travel, illness and personal-injury insurance, to cover the anticipated needs of Fredskorpset participants (‘Forsikring for ansatte stasjonert i utlandet’).
The Primary Partner should make reference to Fredskorpset when taking out the insurance. Europeiske Reiseforsikring will issue an insurance certificate for each individual participant. The terms and conditions are set out in the insurance certificate, the most important being:
Extent of cover:
- Illness: unlimited amount
- Accident: NOK 200,000 on death/disablement
- Repatriation: unlimited amount
- Return travel/replacement: unlimited amount
- Home contents: NOK 100,000
- Summoning of immediate family member NOK 50,000
- Liability: NOK 3,000,000
- Legal aid: NOK 10,000
- Accompanied luggage – one person: NOK 20,000
- Accompanied luggage – family: NOK 30,000
- Employer's effects: NOK 15,000
When and where the insurance applies: The insurance applies, 24 hours a day, at the posting location; it also applies to all official travel, with unlimited duration, as well as to all holidays and leisure travel of up to 60 days’ duration from the posting location or from Norway.
Whom the insurance covers: The insurance exclusively covers the person posted abroad. For an accompanying spouse/partner, and children under the age of 20, supplementary insurance will be required.
Terms and conditions of the insurance:
- Europeiske Reiseforsikring's terms and conditions for persons posted abroad - EUR 8-1 (appended to the insurance certificate ).
- For medical insurance, special condition no. 349 applies (appended to the insurance certificate).
- For accident insurance, special condition no. 350 applies (appended to the insurance certificate).
Excess: The home contents insurance has an excess of NOK 3,000. Note that there is no excess payable for injury insurance.
Cost: The annual premium per participant for this policy is, at the time of writing, normally NOK 3,260. The price may vary somewhat depending on which country the participant is travelling to.
Kjell Natvik
Europeiske reiseforsikring
Telephone: (+47) 23 11 90 77
E-mail: kjell.natvik@europeiske.no
Other insurance
All employers are required to insure their employees in accordance with the Act relating to industrial injury insurance. The Primary Partner is expected to maintain the statutory industrial injury insurance for its participants during the project period. The grant makes budgetary provision for expenses arising from industrial injury/group life insurance
1.10 Health
Medical check-up
Under the participant agreement, participants are required to have a general medical check-up and the necessary vaccinations prior to departure. A general medical check-up may benefit the individual and the partners by ascertaining the participant's suitability for living and working under the conditions of the posting abroad. It can also serve as useful documentation in any subsequent insurance claim. The cost of the medical check-up is to be covered by the travel grant. FK have made a Medical examination form, which can be used for this purpose (Templates on FKs webpage)
Vaccinations
Many countries have vaccination regulations for persons entering the country. Participants will need to be able to present a valid international vaccination certificate showing receipt of the prescribed vaccinations. In Norway, the district health service and health clinics that deal with travel medicine will always have up-to-date information about essential and recommended vaccinations in the individual countries. Vaccination costs are to be covered by the travel grant.
Health and safe conduct
All participants take a module in the preparatory course dealing with health and safe conduct.
National Insurance Scheme
As explained above, membership of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme is compulsory for Fredskorpset participants. Fredskorpset participants are required to retain membership of the National Insurance Scheme, with full medical and pension entitlements, during the posting abroad. This gives automatic entitlement to extended health cover during the posting abroad.
Local medical facilities
The partnership is required to arrange for adequate local medical facilities for participants at the posting location. Where local medical facilities have already been used by other Norwegians, it may be appropriate to use these. Participants must be able to make direct contact with the doctor themselves.
Contact with a Norwegian doctor
In the event of any uncertainty as to whether a medical condition should be treated locally, Fredskorpset has an arrangement with Dr. Lie of the Atlas Medisinske Senter, for consultation over the telephone, by fax or by e-mail. This arrangement should only be used in special cases where no local expertise is present. The participant/local doctor may make contact with Atlas Medisinske Senter, with the assistance of the Primary Partner as required.
Dr. Lie
Atlas Medisinske Senter
Tel. +47 22 47 30 10
Fax. +47 22 47 30 11
E-mail: atlasmed@atlasmed.no
Emergency assistance for psychiatric disorders
Fredskorpset has an arrangement with Dr. Lie at Atlas Medisinske Senter, for assistance in the event of any acute psychiatric problem during the posting abroad. Dr. Lie will then advise, and arrange contact with relevant health personnel to follow up the case. It is stressed that this arrangement applies to emergency assistance, and is not to be used for ordinary consultations.
1.11 The State Educational Loan Fund (Statens lånekasse)
The rules of the State Educational Loan Fund provide for personalised schemes based on applications from the individual. The guidelines below indicate how to proceed and which rules apply to applications for:
- exemption from paying interest
- deferment of payment
Exemption from paying interest
Applicants who can provide proof of having been in continuous full-time employment for twelve months or longer are entitled to exemption from paying interest if their gross monthly income averages NOK 9,450 or less during that period. The minimum amount increases by NOK 1,330 for each dependent child under the age of 16. Exemption from paying interest may be granted for up to a total of three years.
Exemption from paying interest is assessed in relation to the income of any spouse, partner or co-habitant, and is granted only to the individual whose income falls below the threshold. Income must be documented. Total gross monthly income must be less than NOK 26,600. The amount increases by NOK 2,660 for each dependent child under the age of 16 who is supported by the borrower. “Partner”, etc. in this context is taken to mean a partner with whom the borrower has joint children.
Applications for exemption from paying interest are to be submitted in arrears: following twelve months on low income, one may apply for exemption. Proof of all income during that period is to be included. Applications for exemption from paying interest may be submitted following return from the posting abroad. When to apply for exemption depends on prior earnings, as it is the average gross monthly income over the preceding 12 months that must be lower than NOK 9,450 to qualify for exemption. Thus, someone on a low salary for the six months prior to the posting, may, after six months as a Fredskorpset participant, have an average monthly salary for these 12 months of less than NOK 9,450, adjusted as appropriate for maintenance of any dependents.
Deferment of payment
Entitlement to exemption from paying interest normally entitles the borrower to a deferment of payment for the same time period.
Anyone wishing to reduce his or her payments to the State Educational Loan Fund can apply for deferment of half the instalment payments, or all instalment payments for that period until a later date. The Fund does not require that any special reason be given.
One may apply to have half the instalment payment due deferred for a total of six years (24 times) or the entire instalment payment for a total of three years (12 times) during the repayment term. One may combine half or whole deferments, but the sum of deferments without exemption from paying interest may not amount to more than twelve full instalments. The repayment term may not, however, be extended to more than 30 years.
These rules were issued in 2002 and give each individual greater flexibility for arranging the repayment plan in a way that best suits their finances. Note that interest continues to accrue even though payment has been deferred.
An application for deferment of payment must be made before payment of the instalment is due. Applications for deferment of payment require no special documentation.
Fredskorpset's grant allocation disregards any interest charges which the participant may risk incurring, and which will be entirely dependent on the individual's financial situation, and the result of the individual application for exemption. Ultimately, it will be up to the individual participant to consider his or her financial position and whether the allowance paid through the Primary Partner will be sufficient. This should be settled at the recruitment stage.
To apply for exemption from paying interest and/or for deferment of payment, use application form no. I, which may be ordered from the State Educational Loan Fund’s automatic phone line: 04545. See also the Fund’s rules (in particular Chapters 6 and 7), forms and brochures: The State Educational Loan Fund (Statens lånekasse), PB 195 Økern, 0510 Oslo, Norway, www.lanekassen.no
1.12 Language
A language course grant can be allocated where necessary to enable North participants to function in the workplace in the host country. This may be relevant in countries where Portuguese, Spanish or French is the language of the workplace. Grants are not normally provided for countries where English is the normal working language. The grant may also be used to learn the local language, for example Swahili. The grant budget allows for any language training expenses.
Language is vital for communication. Fredskorpset recommends that participants build their language proficiency by reading trade journals, periodicals and books in the language they will be using at work abroad.
1.13 Registration of residence with the Norwegian embassy/consulate
Fredskorpset’s Norwegian participants are required to register their residence in the host country with the country's Norwegian embassy/consulate. The purpose of registration is to enable the embassy/consulate to assist participants in an emergency situation, e.g. the need for evacuation.
The embassy/consulate will also in certain cases be able to assist with repatriation as a result of serious illness or an accident. Such assistance is limited, as stated in the brochure "Assistance to Norwegians Travelling Abroad”, published by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Practical information concerning South participants in Norway
2.1 Residence and work permits in Norway
Under Section 4a, subsection 1(h) of the Norwegian Immigration Regulations, work permits for up to 4 years may be granted to Fredskorpset participants employed by Fredskorpset’s Norwegian development partners in accordance with Fredskorpset’s Statutes. The Regulations stipulate the applicant is to return to his/her home country on completion of the contracted term of employment, and that the circumstances at the time of application are consistent with return.
Residence and work permits must be obtained before Fredskorpset participants arrive in Norway. South participants should contact the Norwegian embassy/consulate to obtain an application form. The application must be submitted on the designated form to the Norwegian embassy/consulate in the applicant's home country.
The processing time for applications is normally 4 months, sometimes longer. It is therefore important to apply well in advance of intended departure. The application will be considered initially by the embassy/consulate, which makes a recommendation. The final decision rests with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
In addition to a letter of endorsement from Fredskorpset and a completed offer of employment form (Arbeidstilbud/Offer of employment to be completed by the Primary Partner), the following documentation must be enclosed with the application to the respective embassy/consulate:
- 2 completed application forms for a work permit
- 2 passport-sized photos
- passport
- birth certificate
- letter of introduction from local partner/employer
- letter from host partner/institution in Norway
- copy of signed participant agreement
- copy of signed partnership agreement
Note that a fee is payable for residence and work permit applications made through Norwegian embassies/consulates abroad. At the time of writing, this fee is NOK 800.
It is important to apply for a work permit that will cover the entire period of time the participant will be in Norway, as it may be difficult to get this extended whilst the participant is still in residence. However, if it should prove necessary to apply for a new work permit, the application should be sent to the local police authorities, enclosing the same documentation as for the original application.
Fredskorpset will issue a letter of endorsement to be enclosed with the application for residence and work permits. For that purpose, it is important to provide the participant’s name, assigned Norwegian national identification number and passport number. The applicant will need to document his/her identity in the form of identity papers issued by an official body, usually a passport.
Note that connecting flights in countries outside the Schengen area may require possession of airport transit visas. This must be checked well in advance of departure.
As of 1 June 2004, the Norwegian government has introduced the requirement for travel/medical insurance for issuance of a visa. The new requirement is a common condition for issuance of a visa for countries under the Schengen Agreement. Persons applying for a visa are thus also required to produce documentation that they are covered by travel/medical insurance. As a rule, applicants are required to take out insurance in their country of ordinary residence. If this is not possible, the applicant must seek to take out insurance in another country. The insurance can also be taken out by the host organisation, in which case the insurance should be taken out in Norway.
The insurance must be valid for all Schengen countries, and the minimum cover must be Euro 30,000. Documentation of the insurance must be produced at the time the visa is issued. Thus, participants are not required to have insurance cover from the time the application is made, but at the time the visa is issued.
Many Fredskorpset participants have a profession in the health sector in their home countries. However, obtaining Norwegian authorisation to work in this sector is subject to stringent requirements. Under a Fredskorpset project, participants have the status of visiting employees under supervision, and do not work independently within their profession. State authorisation as a health sector professional is therefore not required for work as a Fredskorpset participant in Norway. This also means that Fredskorpset participants are not entitled to use any of the professional titles cited in Paragraph 1, Section 48, Health Personnel Act. The participants are otherwise included in the Norwegian Health Personnel Act.
Fredskorpset participants do not have the option of undertaking paid part-time work alongside the work performed as a Fredskorpset participant. Fredskorpset participants have a work permit valid for full-time work for a single employer. It is primarily students (with a residence permit – which does not include the right to take up employment) who can obtain this kind of part-time/supplementary work permit.
2.2 Arrival in Norway: formalities and practical details
Reception at the airport
Participants from the South will, generally speaking, have to change aircraft in another country within the Schengen area before coming to Norway. This means that there will be limited opportunity for the Primary Partner to be present to clear up any possible difficulties at passport control in countries within the Schengen area. It is therefore important that the participants carry with them all the essential and correct documentation before entry. Essential documentation will consist of details of the Norwegian place of residence and contacts including telephone numbers, as well as their employment contract, and passport and tickets. The documentation must be in English.
All participants should be met at the airport on arrival in Norway. In addition, the partner contact should send a fax in advance of arrival to Grensekontrollen (Border Control), Gardermoen police station, fax. no. 64 81 98 01, to give notification of
- the participant’s name, and that the person is travelling to Norway as a Fredskorpset participant
- date, time and flight number
- name of referee/contact person with a telephone number to receive calls round the clock
On arrival in Norway during the autumn and winter seasons, participants should receive prompt loan of/assistance in purchasing suitable clothing for their stay. Warm clothes should be brought to the airport for participants. This is budgeted for in the travel grant.
Alien registration
Participants from the South must present themselves at the local police station for registration within 7 days of arrival in Norway. Participants must bring with them their passport and proof of permission to reside and work in Norway. Participants must also be able to document their fixed address in Norway. The police will then stamp the participant's passport and he/she will receive a copy of the proof of permission to reside and work in Norway. Note that in the cities there may be long queues for this kind of procedure.
Just as Norwegian participants have to register with the Norwegian embassy/consulate during their posting abroad, it may be necessary for participants from the South to do the same with their embassy/consulate here.
National identification number
During their residency in Norway, participants from the South will require a national identification number (personnummer) and must therefore complete form RF 1209 - Application for tax card for foreign citizens and others. The application must be sent to the tax office in the municipality in which the participant will be residing. A national identification number is required when setting up a bank account or for access to health services. As issue of a national identification number takes approximately 6 weeks, the Primary Partner should apply to the relevant tax office well in advance of the participant's arrival. Note that the application must be signed personally by the participant, and a photocopy of the passport and proof of permission to reside and work in Norway must be enclosed with the application.
2.3 Allowances
Preparatory course, posting abroad and follow-up activities
The Primary Partner is responsible for payment of the agreed allowance for:
- the period during which the participant attends Fredskorpset’s preparatory course
- the period the participant is posted abroad
- the one-month period in which the participant takes part in follow-up activities.
Payment to participants
The allowance for the stay in Norway is paid as a fixed sum intended to cover the cost of subsistence and daily expenses. The amount is paid in NOK to South participants in Norway. This sum comes in addition to maintenance of salary in the participant's home country.
The Primary Partner determines how payment is to be made – in cash, or by setting up a bank account with a bank card. The partnership also determines the time of payment and the amount, but participants should not have to advance their own money for day-to-day living expenses. A payment plan with a minimum of one month’s disbursement in advance is recommended. South participants will in all events require cash from the day of arrival.
A grant is allocated for the maintenance of the South participants' salary from their employer in their home country. This is because there will often be family and relatives in the home country who are dependent on continued payment of this salary. The size of the salary for which a salary-maintenance grant is applied for must be documentable.
Normally, the Primary Partner will transfer a sum of money to the Secondary Partner, who will attend to payment, deduction of tax at source and local levies. If the participant is unsalaried at the time of departure, a minimum rate will be allocated.
In order to set up a Norwegian bank account, the participant must obtain a national identification number (personnummer) from the National Population Register in Norway (see section 2.2 above). Issue of a national identification number may take up to 6 weeks. Setting up a bank account and issuing a bank card may also take some time. Note that some participants may not be familiar with the use of bank cards and ATMs.
The Primary Partner should contact its own bank concerning options for a flexible arrangement for setting up bank accounts for participants. Participants are responsible for their own personal finances. Participants should be advised as to how the Norwegian banking system operates.
2.4 Holidays
The terms and conditions of the Norwegian Holidays Act apply to all Fredskorpset participants, and cannot be deviated from by agreement between the employer and employee. The Holidays Act provides for matters such as the length of holidays, holiday periods, calculation of holiday pay and payment of holiday pay.
Any holiday should be taken by agreement with the Primary Partner in conformance with the provisions of the Holidays Act. Fredskorpset participants should also observe the public holiday system in Norway.
Holiday pay is included in the allowance itemised in the Grant calculation sheet; see also Guidelines for grant calculation.
2.5 Pensions
Fredskorpset participants accumulate normal pension entitlements in accordance with the regulations of Norway’s National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden). Fredskorpset does not allocate grants for compulsory or voluntary membership of supplementary pension schemes.
Fredskorpset participants employed in Norwegian public service organisations and working at least 14 hours per week are required to be members of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse). The Fund entitles members to full disability and dependents’ cover for as long as they are employed, and also gives entitlement to a contractual pension, disability and dependents’ pension on leaving the public service if they have served for at least three years (deferred entitlement). Employees who have previously accumulated membership time in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will continue accumulating membership time during their term under Fredskorpset. Any subsequent public service appointment will give the same entitlement to accumulate membership time.
For many participants, the commitment to the employer (Primary Partner) will be restricted solely to the timespan of the project. Certain categories of employee are exempted from compulsory membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, but this does not apply to Fredskorpset participants. Provisions in the Pensions Act for individual exemptions from compulsory membership have been applied exclusively to individuals employed for a term of less than three years, who have not previously been members of the Fund, and who are covered by another, equivalent public service pension scheme. This exemption will not be generally applicable. Any application for exemption from membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund must be made by individuals themselves, to ensure that they are fully apprised of which entitlements will be lost if an application for exemption is granted.
More information about the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is available (also in English) at www.spk.no.
Please note that compulsory membership may also apply in the municipal or private sectors.
2.6 Booking tickets
Fredskorpset's funding of the project in question is through a grant. Fredskorpset does not refund actual expenses, but allocates a contractually agreed amount to the project. This means that participants’ travel to and from the host country, as well as any other travel by participants during the posting abroad (see the participant agreement) is to be covered by the grant.
The principal rule is that all travel must be undertaken by the cheapest possible means. Partners will need to book tickets well in advance in order to be sure of finding the cheapest travel option.
Heitmann Travel AS (see below) may be used for booking travel to and from the host country. South participants travelling to Norway from their home country may purchase their tickets locally. If Heitmann Travel AS has a partner in the South participant's home country, this can be used.
Bookings through Heitmann Travel AS should be placed with the travel agent via e-mail, fax or telephone, making reference to Fredskorpset. All bookings will be made on the basis of the lowest possible price, even though this may not mean the quickest or shortest travel route.
Combining outward/homeward bound travel from the host country with private stopovers en route is not an option under this arrangement.
Heitmann Travel AS
Telephone: 23 10 24 00
Fax: 22 20 14 60
E-mail: heitmann@heitmann.no
2.7 Taxation
Persons who, during temporary residence in Norway, receive a salary or other allowances from a Norwegian employer, are liable for taxation in Norway. The allowance paid to South participants by the Primary Partner counts as salary for tax purposes. More information about tax is available at www.skatteetaten.no.
Tax liability under Norwegian legislation may be limited by rules laid down in taxation agreements with other countries. Most South participants will come under the taxation agreements Norway has with other countries: see list of countries at www.finans.dep.no. The various agreements limit in different ways the application of Norwegian tax legislation. Most taxation agreements have legislation governing tax liability to the country in which employment takes place (taxation at source).
South participants are required to file a tax return with the Norwegian taxation authorities, irrespective of whether their tax liability under Norwegian legislation is limited by a taxation agreement. The income tax return must be submitted to the tax office that issued the tax-card (see section 2.2 on Arrival in Norway).
The Primary Partner is required to report to the Norwegian tax authorities salary and other allowances paid to South participants. The duty to report applies irrespective of whether the South participant is liable for tax in Norway.
South participants can apply to the tax office 4 weeks prior to their return home so as to settle their tax affairs before departure. The Primary Partner is obliged to deduct tax in advance on salary payments, as with other employment contracts.
To a certain extent, Fredskorpset’s grant for allowances and other benefits allows for taxation, but Fredskorpset does not guarantee a net amount to either the South participant or Primary Partner. Ultimately, it will be up to the partnership and the South participant to ascertain the tax consequences of the individual circumstances and consider whether Fredskorpset's contribution will be adequate. This should be settled as part of the feasibility study.
The tax office in the municipality of residence in Norway will be able to provide more detailed information regarding tax legislation.
2.8 Insurance
National Insurance Scheme
All persons resident in Norway or working in Norway for a specific employer are subject to compulsory membership of the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden). Since the Primary Partner has formal employer's responsibility for the participants, they will be members of the National Insurance Scheme, with the same entitlements as Norwegian nationals.
In case of national insurance queries, participants should refer to the local National Insurance office in their municipality of residence.
The Primary Partner should obtain confirmation that the participants are members of the National Insurance Scheme.
Further information about membership of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme is available at www.trygdeetaten.no.
Supplementary insurance
In addition to the cover provided by the National Insurance Scheme, the Primary Partner is required to take out supplementary insurance for each participant. Fredskorpset has an agreement with the insurance company Europeiske Reiseforsikring concerning a travel/life insurance scheme with a daily premium, to cover the anticipated additional requirements of Fredskorpset participants from the South.
The Primary Partner should make reference to Fredskorpset when taking out the insurance. Europeiske Reiseforsikring will issue a certificate of insurance for each individual participant with terms and conditions, the most important points of which are:
Extent of cover:
- Luggage: NOK 20,000
- Illness and repatriation: unlimited amount
- Travel liability: NOK 3,000,000
- Accident: NOK 100,000 on death/disablement
Whom the insurance covers: Foreign workers under contract to a Norwegian employer for a designated period under the auspices of Fredskorpset. Insurance is conditional on membership of the National Insurance Scheme.
When and where the insurance applies: The insurance is valid for travel to Norway, during the entire stay in Norway and for travel within and outside of Norway during the exchange period. The insurance expires when participants leave Norway on expiry of the contract term.
Terms and conditions of the insurance: Official travel insurance conditions EUR3-5 and Special condition #334 will be appended to the insurance certificate. The following exceptions to the standard terms and conditions have been agreed:
Clause 6.3 e: Repatriation applies to repatriation to the foreign worker's home country, and only in cases where repatriation is necessitated by that worker's serious illness or accident or fatality.
Clauses. 6.3 i and j are thus not applicable to this agreement.
Clause 6: Only public health care is to be used in Norway. Admission to/treatment at private clinics in Norway/Scandinavia is not included in the insurance.
Clause 6.4 b: This benefit (summoning of immediate family member) is excluded.
Clause 7.1 a: On the death of the insured, a lump-sum award is to be paid to the next of kin/relative named by the employer in the employment contract with Fredskorpset/the company.
Clause 7.1 b: In accidental injuries which may/will result in disability, a broad assessment of
the degree of disablement is to be confirmed by a Norwegian doctor/specialist by (at the latest) the end of the contract term. This must be determined by the degree of disablement that is expected to be permanent.
On expiry of the contract term, Europeiske Reiseforsikring is free from further liability for compensation, even if the degree of disablement should subsequently change. The insurance will not cover travel expenses, further investigations or reports at a later date.
Clause 7.4 n: Medical treatment expenses following accidental injury will be covered only when such injury occurs in Norway during the contract term.
In relation to luggage insurance, this will extend to residence at a temporary address in Norway, but subject to the same security conditions and requirement of due care in relation to storage and supervision, as stipulated in the terms and conditions.
Excess: There is no excess payable following injury, except for medical treatment expenses incurred in Norway following an accidental injury. Here the excess is NOK 1,000 per instance of injury.
Premium payable:
- Premium per day of travel: NOK 19
- Minimum premium per year per insurance policy: NOK 5,000
Kjell Natvik
Europeiske Reiseforsikring
Telephone: +47 23 11 90 77
E-mail: kjell.natvik@europeiske.no
Other insurance
The Primary Partner is expected to set up statutory industrial injury insurance for South participants to cover their stay in Norway. The grant budgets for expenses arising from industrial injury/group life insurance
2.9 Health
There are no special health or vaccination requirements in Norway for non-Norwegian nationals who have been granted work and residence permits. However, the person concerned must not be in evident need of treatment prior to entry. As the person concerned will be undertaking employment on the terms laid down by the partnership, we do not anticipate that this will be a problem relevant to Fredskorpset participants from the South.
According to the participant agreement, participants are required to have a general health check prior to leaving their home country. The partnership is responsible for ensuring that participants coming to Norway are in sufficiently sound physical and mental health to enable them to perform the tasks they are assigned. Fredskorpset will advise the partners to obtain a list of any chronic conditions and medication requirements before the person concerned arrives.
All participants are obliged to contact the district health centre where they are to reside as soon as possible after arrival in Norway, to be tested for tuberculosis. Participants who will be living in Oslo and Akershus should be referred to the Diagnostics Centre (Diagnosestasjonen) at Ullevål University Hospital. The examination consists of a general medical investigation for tuberculosis, a Pirquet skin test and a chest X-ray. Participants who hold a vaccination card from their home country are asked to bring this to the examination, together with passport. Please note that participants are required to return for a further examination approx. three days after the first visit.
The district health service may also request additional medical checks, as deemed appropriate.
As members of the National Insurance Scheme, South participants will have identical rights to Norwegian nationals in relation to health and medical facilities. The “Regular GP” scheme gives all residents of Norway the right to have a general practitioner as their primary care doctor. The Primary Partner should enquire with its county medical centre to locate suitable GPs for South participants.
Note that patients in Norway can see specialists only on referral from a general practitioner. Certain specialists may have very long waiting times. Medicines are usually available only on prescription, and, although subsidised under the National Insurance Scheme, are subject to a prescription fee. Dental care costs are not covered by the National Insurance Scheme, and must be met by the individual.
On the preparatory course, participants will take a module on physical and mental health.
In the event that emergency medical assistance is required in Norway, it will be helpful to have all relevant health information readily available. It will be necessary to know where in the South participant’s home country such information may be obtained.
All South participants should have a list of the following emergency numbers in Norway:
- 110 Fire
- 112 Police
- 113 Ambulance
2.10 Accommodation
It is vital that participants have a proper and permanent place to stay, from the day they arrive. South participants will have to make many adjustments, so it is important to have a permanent base from day one. The process of finding accommodation should begin as soon as possible, and be concluded well in advance of the participant’s arrival.
Participants often experience loneliness and a sense of isolation. In part, this can be prevented by finding accommodation that provides not only basic comforts but also a social setting. On the other hand, ideal solutions for some may be impossible choices for others. Accommodation should therefore cater to the participant's individual needs, with special attention to cultural background, sex and age.
The following provides a few suggestions for accommodation, with added comments.
Housing collectives:
Young people with common interests may feel that a housing collective (often arising out of the partner’s own environments) is a good option. It must, however, be ascertained that the atmosphere of the collective does not conflict with the participant’s personal values.
Student accommodation:
This is an excellent form of accommodation, which offers both privacy and opportunities for socialising. It is generally suitable for most participants, except perhaps the most senior.
Room/flat in a private institution:
Many institutions (parish, hospital, company, etc.) have their own housing units linked with other work that the organisation performs. This makes it easy for participants to combine their professional life with their social life, and facilitates partner follow-up of participants.
Room or self-contained studio flat in a house:
Participants should have their own housing, and not “stay with” a host family. But there is the option of self-contained accommodation with a host family who will also assume a degree of social responsibility, then this may work well for many participants. The accommodation should not be too remote from other social meeting places.
Folk High School (Folkehøyskole):
This will be an option for younger participants. Most of those who attend Folkehøyskole are under 20 years of age, so participants should not be confined to this as their only source of contact, or to living in student quarters at a folkehøyskole. If teachers’ quarters/rooms can be made available at the school, this may be a good alternative.
Local authority housing:
Many local authorities have their own housing, which often provides good accommodation for participants. Note that some housing may be designated for special groups and will therefore not provide an ideal environment for the participant.
2.11 Work situation
A clear job description must be prepared, which also sets out what the participant and the partner each expect from their working relations. The job description should be reviewed as soon as possible following arrival. An appraisal should be held at least quarterly; clarity and openness are important here. It may prove necessary to provide participants with training in certain areas.
Each participant should be assigned a contact person to discuss any practical, professional and other matters. This should be a person whose job position allows the time necessary to counsel and support the participant during the initial period of residency. Work experience from the South may not always be transferable to the North and vice versa.
Participants should have access to a PC with e-mail, for ease of communications with their home country and with any other Fredskorpset participants in Norway. We recommend that an agreement be made with participants concerning use of the telephone for international calls, as soon as possible.
2.12 Social network
The best results are achieved when participants have the opportunity to become part of various environments, not only their own expatriate community in Norway. Partners play an important role in introducing participants to the partner organisation's own social environment.
Sponsor/mentor
A sponsor should be assigned to be available to participants outside the normal work situation. It may be an advantage to have sponsors of the same sex and of similar ages, for greater likelihood of them having similar interests. The sponsor should introduce the participant to circles outside the workplace, and assist the participant as the need arises.
The participant should also have a mentor. A mentor has the role of confidant - someone who can counsel and assist the participant in social as well as professional matters. This should preferably be a person with some authority.
Cultural and religious celebrations
Many participants feel that they are excluded from various celebrations in the Norwegian calendar. Such periods may be difficult for participants. The Primary Partner should ensure that participants receive invitations to Christmas, New Year and Easter celebrations. The Primary Partner may wish to take the initiative to organise joint events for participants during such celebrations, or organise facilities for the participant's own events. Some participants will definitely appreciate being invited to take part in celebrations together with their hosts.
Partners should be aware that some participants have different celebrations, religious holidays and customs than those observed in Norway. Flexibility on both sides is important. Participants should have the opportunity to hold their own celebrations and religious festivals as they wish.