From 1 July, the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will introduce a requirement that all families with au pairs must have insurance that covers the au pair's return travel in the event of injury, illness or death.
In addition, a requirement will be introduced from the same date that au pairs shall also be paid during holidays.
The insurance must cover the au pair’s return travel in the event of injury, illness or death. The requirement applies to everyone applying for an au pair permit after 1 July.
‘These are measures that will ensure au pairs better protection during their stay in Norway,’ says Christine Wilberg Poulsson, deputy head of UDI’s Department of Managed Migration.
Easier for Filipino au pairs
The vast majority of au pairs in Norway are from the Philippines. For several years, the Philippine authorities have prohibited Filipinos from travelling to Norway to work as au pairs. Partly as a result of the Norwegian authorities now introducing an insurance scheme, the Philippine authorities are now lifting the ban on Filipino au pairs travelling abroad.
Requirement for pay during the entire stay
At the same time as the insurance requirement, a requirement is being introduced that au pairs shall have pay/pocket money during their entire stay in Norway, including holidays. This is in order to ensure that au pairs can afford to take the holidays they are entitled to.
As of 1 June, there are 2 729 valid au pair permits. Fifty-one percent of the au pairs live in Oslo and Akershus.
So far this year, UDI has granted 604 au pair permits.
The purpose of the au pair scheme is cultural exchange. Persons between the ages of 18 and 30 can stay with a Norwegian family in order to learn Norwegian and improve their knowledge of Norway. In return, the au pair carries out light housework, child care and animal care for the host family.
