Main rules and exemptions regarding rejection

The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security refers to the Regulations of 15 March 2020 No. 293 relating to rejection etc. of foreign nationals without a residence permit in the realm, out of concern for public health (last amended 18 March 2020). Foreign nationals arriving in the realm after 16 March at 8 a.m. are subject to implementation of the Regulations.It is pointed out for clarity’s sake that the Regulations do not prevent Norwegian nationals or foreign nationals with residence permits from returning to Norway.This circular replaces Circular G-4/2020 of 15 March 2020. It is unclear how the situation is developing, and it is changing rapidly. The impact of infection control measures that have been introduced must be assessed continuously and weighed against important societal and business interests affected by the measures. This circular could be subject to rapid amendments and adaptations.

2. Main rules regarding rejection

The Regulations stipulate that foreign nationals without a residence permit may be rejected for reasons of public health, due to outbreaks of the hazardous and widely infectious disease COVID-19. This means that all foreign nationals without a residence permit, who are not covered by any of the exemptions cited below, will be rejected without further consideration of the risk of infection posed by each individual.

The Regulations establish exemptions for:

  • EEA nationals, and their family members as defined under section 110 of the Immigration Act, who reside or work in Norway; see section 1, third paragraph, first sentence, of the Regulations
  • Posted workers from an EEA country who have begun a work assignment in Norway or are to begin an work assignment that will last for three months or more; see section 1, third paragraph, second sentence, of the Regulations
  • Foreign nationals who will only be staying in airport transit before departing Norway; see section 2 a) of the Regulations
  • Foreign nationals who are covered by an exemption from the duty of quarantine pursuant to section 2 of the Regulations of 13 March 2020 No. 287 relating to quarantine etc. upon arrival in Norway; see section 2 b) of the Regulations
  • Foreign nationals seeking protection in the realm (asylum); see section 2 c) of the Regulations
  • When special reasons so indicate, such as specific care responsibilities for persons in Norway or other compelling welfare considerations; see section 2 d) of the Regulations

Please read the whole revised circular relating to Entry into force of the Regulations relating to rejection etc. of foreign nationals without a residence permit in the realm, out of concern for public health here:

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/g-052020--revised-circular-relating-to-entry-into-force-of-the-regulations-relating-to-rejection-etc.-of-foreign-nationals-without-a-residence-permit-in-the-realm-out-of-concern-for-public-health/id2694110/