The Government has previously adopted regulations that impose quarantine on persons entering Norway. Such persons must stay in their own home, or in another suitable place. For foreign workers, this means in most cases a stay in a quarantine hotel.
There are many companies in Norway that use, and are dependent on, foreign labor. As a result of the requirement for quarantine upon entry into Norway, these companies have incurred large additional expenses. The Government has therefore proposed to establish a compensation scheme for businesses that use foreign labor. The aim of the scheme is to stimulate increased activity for businesses that are affected by tightened infection control measures. The compensation will help businesses to cover the additional costs related to wages, accommodation and follow-up of foreign workers who are in quarantine.
The Government proposes that the scheme shall apply for the period 1 November 2020 to 28 February 2021 and has proposed a total allocation of NOK 480 million.
