The coronavirus situation

Stronger focus on global health

07/10/2020: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to combat it have dramatic ramifications for developing countries, and are leading to increased  economic decline, poverty, unemployment and hunger. Groups that are already vulnerable are particularly hard hit. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of investing in the health sector, particularly in countries with weak health systems. The Government has therefore proposed an increase in funding for global health efforts of NOK 500 million in the budget for 2021. The total allocation for global health will be close to NOK 4 billion,’ said Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein.

Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended. Changes in the travel advice for the Nordic countries and Europe

24/09/2020: The global travel advice will be extended to apply until 15 January 2021. With regard to countries in the Schengen area/EEA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its advice against non-essential travel to all countries apart from those for which an exception has been made.

Regulations relating to entry restrictions for foreign nationals out of concern for public health

29/06/2020: Adopted by Ministry of Justice and Public Security 29 June 2020 under sections 2, 3 and 6 of the Interim Act of 19 June 2020 No. 83 relating to entry restrictions for foreign nationals out of concern for public health; see decision of 19 June 2020 No. 1244 delegating authority.

Regulations relating to rejection etc. of foreign nationals without a residence permit in the realm, out of concern for public health

15/03/2020: In order to safeguard public health in connection with an outbreak of COVID-19, which is a disease hazardous to the public health, an administrative decision may be taken under the Immigration Act to reject a foreign national without a residence permit. Decisions are taken by the Directorate of Immigration or the police. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security may assign decision-making competence to another authority.