Norwegian national Mr. Kjartan Sekkingstad left the Philippines on Thursday, 23 September 2016. The Norwegian Ambassador Mr. Erik Førner informs that Mr. Sekkingstad has recovered well during the past few days. ‘Mr. Sekkingstad has undergone medical examinations and has been well taken care of both in Manila and Davao. He has also been properly debriefed by relevant authorities in order to provide information that can aid in the rescue of other captives’, said Ambassador Førner.
Mr. Sekkingstad was freed last weekend after being held hostage in Sulu for almost a year.
‘Mr. Sekkingstad has expressed his gratitude towards President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Jesus Dureza and all other actors who has contributed to his release’, said Mr. Førner. ‘He is also grateful for all support from family and friends in Davao, Norway and elsewhere’.
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Foreign Minister Børge Brende have also expressed their gratitude to Philippine authorities for their steadfast commitment to secure the release of Mr. Sekkingstad. In a statement issued earlier this week Prime Minister Solberg said that cooperation between all the relevant authorities in Norway and the Philippines and with international partners has been close and effective. She added: ‘I would like to extend special thanks to President Rodrigo Duterte and the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Jesus Dureza, for their commitment to resolving the situation.’
The purpose of the au pair scheme is cultural exchange. As au pairs, young people can improve their language skills and knowledge of Norway and Norwegian society by living with a Norwegian family. In return, the au pair performs services such as light housework and child care for the host family. Being an au-pair is not the same as being a nanny or a maid.
Please note the following:
The information below only covers au-pairs to Norway. For information about au-pairs to Denmark, please click here.
There will be changes in the au-pair scheme this spring. For more information, please click here.
Philippine Authorities require Exit Permits from their Citizens. For more information, please contact the CFO or the Philippine Embassy in Oslo.
Length of Permit
Residence Permits for Au-Pairs may be granted for up to two years. However, it will not be granted for more than the applicant applies for, or the validity of the contract.
Eligibility
The applicant must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application. (The application must be submitted before the applicant’s 30th birthday).
Applicant cannot have children. (New rule for Au-Pairs in Norway as of July 1, 2012)
It must be considered likely that the applicant will return to his / her country of residence after the Permit expires. The situation in the applicant’s country of residence must also be considered to be of a nature that the applicant may return.
Problems or concerns whilst in Norway
Applicants that are experiencing problems or have any concerns when they are in Norway, should contact the Philippine Embassy in Oslo for advice.
The Au-Pair may change host family if desirable.
Rights and obligations of the Au-Pair
The Au-pair must not work more than 5 hours per day and no more than maximum 30 hours per week, not even for extra pay.
The Au-pair shall carry out light housework and look after children and / or animals.
The Au-Pair must have the possibility to participate in leisure activities and attend a Norwegian Language Course.
The Host Family must pay for a Norwegian Language Course for at least NOK 7500,-
The Host Family shall pay for the return ticket to the home country
The Au-Pair is entitled to NOK 5000,- (before tax) per month in pocket money.
The Au-Pair is entitled to 25 days holiday pr year. If the Au-Pair’s contract commences after 30th September, the Au-Pair is entitled to 6 days holiday.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be registered on the Application Portal. This may be done by the Sponsor (Host Family) or the Applicant. On the Portal one fills in the application form, pays the visa fee and books an appointment at the Embassy for the applicant to submit his / her supporting documents (see below) and attend an interview.
Please note that all copies must be of good quality and have a good contrast. Unclear copies may lead to delays.
List of Supporting Documents (To be submitted at the Embassy). Please submit one good quality copy of all the required documents.
Cover Letter (to be printed from the Application Portal after booking an appointment)
One Passport size picture glued on to the Cover Letter (NB: No staples). The picture must be less than six months old, have a white background and must not be airbrushed or ‘Photoshopped’. For more information click here
Standard Contract for Au-Pairs (to be signed by applicant and host family). To download the form, please click here. (NB: New as of 1st July 2012).
Copy of the passports of the host family (adults) to document their nationality (ies). Only a copy of the biodata page(s) is necessary.
The applicant’s passport. Copies must be submitted of all the pages with biodata, visas and stamps. Copies of blank pages should not be submitted.
One passport photograph. The picture must be less than six months old and have a white background.
If the host family only consists of only one adult, his / her percentage of care for the child / children must be documented
If the applicant wishes to give the host family Power of Attorney(the host family will be notified of the decision instead of the applicant, the host family may be contacted if their Directorate of Immigration or the Embassy has any questions, etc), this form must be submitted with the application.
For information about the application procedure, processing times, follow-ups, etc, please click here.
Content of permit
The UDI will grant a residence permit to an au pair for up to two years.
The duration of the permit will not exceed the period the applicant applied for or the validity of the contract.
You can only be granted a permit as au pair for 2 years in total
You can travel into and out of Norway during the validity of the permit
The permit does not form the basis for a permanent residence permit (settlement permit) or family immigration
Renewal of permit
As long as you hold a valid residence permit as an au pair, you can submit an application to change host families at any time. This will be considered an application for renewal.
If you wish to renew your residence permit as an au pair, you must submit a new application at least one month before your current permit expires.
You cannot start working for the new family until your new application for a residence permit has been granted.
The application must be submitted to the police district where you live. As a rule, you must submit it in person.
The same documentation requirements apply as for first-time applications. However, you may have turned 30.
Certificate of Receipt of Application The CRA is a confirmation of the receipt and acceptance of an application for endorsement. The CRA entitles the holder of a foreign certificate to serve temporarily in a position for which a certificate of competency is required on Norwegian ships, fishing vessels and mobile offshore units, until the application for endorsement is processed. The CRA is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Masters must apply for a dispensation before a CRA can be issued
Deck and Engine Officers’ Endorsement An endorsement is a document which entitles the holder of a foreign certificate to serve on board a Norwegian ship, fishing vessel or mobile offshore unit.
The application must include:
• Passport photo with name and date of birth printed at the back • Application form • List of Sea Service – need only submit during the last 5 years • Norwegian health certificate • Certificate of endorsement • Certificate of competency • Declaration of Norwegian maritime legislation and English language
Always enclose previous endorsement if available.
Box 1: Make sure the personal information is correct – Name, date and place of birth, address and identification document Box 2: Description of highest grade of certificate(s) of competency now held – Fill in details from certificate of endorsement – Fill in details from certificate of competency Box 3: The application – Tick of whether you are applying for issuance or renewal of a Norwegian endorsement – For renewal; list grade and category of the current Norwegian endorsement Box 4: Affirmation of applicant – Date signed and signature of applicant Box 5: Affirmation of company – 5.1: Fill in position – 5.2: Fill in name of vessel, call sign and position – 5.3: Date of affirmation and signature of company representative – Company’s address in Norway – Must be the complete address of the company in Norway – Preferably postbox address – The invoice and certificate will be sent to this address – If invoice is not paid – application is rejected
Tankerman Highest Grade Endorsement
Management Level The application must include: • Passport photo with name and date of birth printed at the back • Application form • Certificate of endorsement
Operational Level The application must include: • Passport photo with name and date of birth printed at the back • Application form • Certificate of endorsement • Maritime Training Council Certificate (Specialized tankerman certificates) – NAC
Ratings (Pumpman, Reeferman, Cargo Engineer) Application must include: • Passport photo with name and date of birth printed at the back • Application form • Specialized tankerman certificates (NAC) • General Tanker Certificate Always enclose previous Tankerman Highest Grade Endorsement if applying for renewal
GMDSS/GOC Endorsement Application must include: • Passport photo with name and date of birth printed at the back • Application form • List of Sea Service- need only submit during the last 5 years • National GMDSS/GOC certificate Always enclose previous GMDSS/GOC Telenor Endorsement if applying for renewal
Chief Cook Upgrading Course from Norwegian Training Center – Manila and 36 months experience (sea and/or land) during the last 5 years. Or 36 months of experience as a cook on board Or Application for Chief Cook Exemption Certificate Required experience: • 24 months experience (sea and/or land) during last 5 years • Cook or Chief Cook COC from TESDA • Basic Safety • Health certificate
Application for Master’s Dispensation The Embassy authenticates the application for master`s dispensation.The Authentication fee is PHP 1000 for the first 4 pages, while it is PHP 300 for each succeeding page.
This application should be given to the Embassy in good time, because the Embassy cannot issue a CRA without an instruction fax from NMD.
Requirements: • Application form, tick off Deck Officer (incl. passport photo) • List of Sea Service • Certificate of endorsement • Certificare of competency • Maritime administration certificate from NTC-M • Declaration of Norwegian maritime legislation and English language • Norwegian health certificate • Employment agreement • Seaman`s Book
Schengen Visas are short-term visas for up to 90 days. Applicants who intend to work or stay more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. Applicants are advised to read the list of required documents carefully, as incomplete applications may lead to the application being rejected.
General information
A Schengen Visa may be granted to applicants who are going to Norway for tourism, business, family visit, etc., when the intention is to return to the applicant’s country of residence afterwards. It is not possible to apply for a Residence Permit (Family Immigration, Work, Au-Pair, etc) whilst in Norway on a Schengen Visa, nor is it possible to work (paid or unpaid). A Schengen Visa may, as a general rule, not be extended in Norway.
Applicants may stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area in any six months period. After a period of 90 days in Schengen, the applicant is not allowed to enter Schengen again before a new 90 day period has passed.
It is not possible to apply more than 90 days before the intended journey. If the application is approved, the applicant’s last date of entry to Schengen is 90 days from when the decision was made.
Applicants intending to visit one Schengen country should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of that country.
Applicants intending to visit several Schengen countries should apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is the main destination (i.e. where the applicant will spend the most days).
Applicants intending to visit several Schengen countries, but do not have a main destination (i.e. the applicant intends to spend an equal amount of days in each country), should apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country which is the first port of entry.
The issue of Schengen visas is discretionary and depends on examination of each individual case, including purpose of visit and intention to return.
NB: Sponsors in Norway are advised to read the Information on Visa practice (in Norwegian only) before inviting any applicants.
Schengen Visa – List of required documents
Applications must be registered on the Application Portal and supporting documents submitted at the Embassy at the applicant’s booked appointment time.
Applicants going to Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands or Iceland must also submit the Schengen visa application form – duly completed, dated and signed by the applicant.
Cover Letter (sent to your e-mail after completing the booking. The Cover Letter may also be printed from the Application Portal).
Please attach the photograph on the Cover Letter using adhesive tape or glue, not staples.
Original passport (valid for at least 3 months after departure from Schengen)
Previous passports and past visas / stamps to Schengen and other countries
Proof of occupation
• If currently employed, original “Certificate of Employment” stating position, length of service, salary and duration of approved leave of absence and photocopy of company ID (original to be presented).
•If self-employed, original “Business Name Registration Certificate” and latest original Income Tax Statement or other original proof of annual income.
• If a student, original certification of enrolment from the school where the applicant is presently enrolled and photocopy of valid school identification card (original to be presented); If applicant is going on a holiday during the summer / semestral break, present an original certification of reservation or certification of enrolment to prove that he/she is enrolled for the next school year/semester.
Letter of invitation and a copy of the passport of the person inviting. If the person inviting is not a Nordic citizen, a copy of the most recent Residence Permit in Norway must be submitted.
The invitation must contain information about the purpose of your visit. It should therefore contain complete and relevant information about the person extending the invitation, the invited person and their relationship to each other (including information about any family relationship), along with the purpose of the stay to be covered by the visa. The invitation should also state whether the person extending the invitation is also standing as a financial guarantor for the applicant.
NB: When applying for a visa to visit a family member, the invitation letter should come from the biological family member in Norway, not from the Norwegian husband, etc. (the guarantee form may be filled in by the Norwegian husband, etc).
NB: When applying for a visa to visit boyfriend / girlfriend, the invitation should also give details of how much time the parties have spent together (dates, places, etc). This should be documented by copies of stamps in the sponsor’s passport. If the parties have spent time together outside the Philippines (e.g. Holiday in Singapore), copies of both parties’ passports should be submitted.
Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits (Norwegian only) – Stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police. This guarantee form must not be older than 3 months from the date of issue at the time of application. The guarantee form is not required for business and organized tours.
NB: Please note that a guarantee form is not a substitution for an invitation letter. Both documents are required.
Proof of sufficient funds – Bank certification and payslip for the last 3 months (not necessary if UDI Guarantee Form for Visit is submitted).
Purpose of visit
• Family visit: Proof of relationship
1: If visiting sibling: Birth certificate of both sliblings to document the relationship
2: If visiting children: The child’s birth certificate to document the relationship with the parents
3: If visiting parents: The applicant’s bith certificate to document the relationship with the parent(s)
4: If visiting wife / husband: Marriage Certificate to document the relationship with the spouse
5: If visiting mother / father of the applicant’s or the sponsor’s common child: The Child’s birth certificate to document the relationship to bith parents.
• Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Fiance visit: Proof of time spent together, if applicable (e.g. copy of sponsor’s passport showing pages with stamps of arrival and departure – not a requirement but highly recommended)
• Tourism:
Organized Tour: Full travel itinerary (if the visa is granted, confirmation of payment from the travel agent must be submitted) Private tour: Travel plan including all countries / cities to be visited, information about accommodation and transport. (If a visa is granted, confirmed bookings of hotels and transport must be submitted).
• Business: Original letter of invitation from the Norwegian Business Partner
Application fee:
EUR 60,- (adults) / EUR 35 (children aged 6-12). Payable by VISA or MasterCard on the Application Portal
Travel Medical Insurance.
NB: Insurance must be bought from an Insurance company that is accredited by the Schengen Group in Manila. For more information, please click here.
Flight Ticket Reservation (Return). The Reservation must be in accordance with the Travel Medical Insurance.
Side trips: Applicants who also intend to visit other countries must submit a travel plan when applying, detailing where the applicant will stay and how the applicant will travel, as well as information on how many days the applicant will stay in the different countries.
If the application is approved, the applicant will be asked to submit proof of transport and accommodation for the entire trip. If, at this point, it turns out that the main destination has changed, the visa will not be issued.
Applicants who are married and / or have children are advised to submit proof of this (marriage certificate and birth certificates of the children). The latter is not a requirement, but will strenghten the application.
Applicants who own land or property are advised to submit proof of this. As above, this is not a requirement, but will strenghten the application.
Tickets – Important information
Applicants are are advised not to pay for any tickets before they have been informed that their application has been approved.
If an application is approved, the applicant will be informed by sms and / or e-mail (phone if technical problems). The applicant may then be asked to present a return ticket.
Regardless of wether the Embassy request to see the ticket or not; the ticket must be in accordance with what has been approved. E.g. If the applicant has applied for 15 days and has been informed that the application has been granted, the tickets must not exceed 15 days.
The maximum stay is 90 days, so if the applicant has applied for 90 days and this has been approved, tickets for up to 90 days may be purchased.
However, it is extremely important to remember to count the day of arrival and the day of departure. Even if the applicant arrives late in the evening and only spend one hour in Schengen on the day of arrival, this counts as one day. Similarly, if the applicant leaves very early in the morning on the day of departure, this also counts as one day.
Moreover, it is important to remember that some months have 31 days rather than 30 days.
Minors (Under the age of 18)
Original birth certificate of the child
Passports of both parents – Both parents must appear in person at the Embassy in Manila or the Consulate in Cebu.
Original Letter of Parental Consent to apply for and obtain a Schengen Visa signed by both parents.
If only one parent has sole custody of the child, the Court Decision awarding custody to the one parent must be submitted. If the other parent is dead, the Death Certificate must be submitted.
NB: For the protection of children, the above documents will be verified and a longer processing time must be expected.
Additional requirement for Denmark and Iceland:
Copy of the sponsor’s passport and payslips for the last 3 months (Iceland only).
School pupils, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training
Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research, as per specific rules
Applicants related to (spouse, descendant or dependent ascendant of) EEA citizen who are exercising their right to free movement (on production of relevant certificates (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
Documents from Norway / Denmark / Iceland must be sent to the applicant, NOT to the Embassy.
For information about the procedure, processing times, follow-ups, etc, please click here.
For information about how to appeal (if the application has been rejected), please click here.
Over 14 million people were affected by the typhoon in the Philippines. “The Philippines is now in the middle of a critical process of reconstruction. Unfortunately only around 40 % of the amount sought by the UN appeal to support early recovery has been provided. It is crucial that the international community continues to support the recovery efforts, and Norway is therefore increasing its allocation by a further NOK 50 million, to NOK 255 million,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende, speaking in Tacloban today.
This will make Norway the third largest contributor to to the UN appeal for emergency relief and reconstruction efforts following the typhoon Haiyan. Today, two months after the devastating typhoon hit the country, Mr Brende visited some of the most seriously affected areas, on the islands of Samar and Leyte.
“I am here to show that Norway and the international community have not forgotten the Philippines. Now that the acute emergency relief phase is over, it is important that priority is given to providing enough resources for reconstruction of the communities. The Philippines is affected more and more frequently by extreme weather events and natural disasters. By focusing on prevention, preparedness and risk reduction, societies can be spared a great deal of suffering and lost resources,” said Mr Brende.
Mr Brende had meetings with local authorities and members of local communities. He visited several projects and met representatives of Norwegian Church Aid, the Norwegian Red Cross, the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), that are involved in the emergency relief and reconstruction efforts supported by Norway. According the UN, over 4 million people have been internally displaced as a result of the typhoon, and over 1 million homes have been completely or partly destroyed.
“It is quite clear that the typhoon has caused massive damage and devastation. The need for shelter and opportunities to earn income is particularly pressing. So it is encouraging to see that the Norwegian funds are being put to good use, the reconstruction work is under way and the local people are starting to return to their normal lives,” said Mr Brende.
Foreign Minister Børge Brende is on a three day official visit to the Philippines.
If you are a skilled worker, you can be granted a residence permit to study Norwegian for a total of one year. You can be granted such a permit even if the purpose of the stay is to find employment in Norway. During your stay, you may work part-time in Norway.
To qualify, you need to be a a skilled worker and your aim must be to study Norwegian.
For more information about this kind of permit, please click here.
NB: To be granted a Residence Permit to Work (after having acquired a sufficient level of Norwegian), applicants must have obtained a job that corresponds to their education, e.g. nursing or engineering. It is not possible to get a Residence Permit to Work as an unskilled worker such as a ‘Barista’, Waiter, Cleaner, etc.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be registered on the Application Portal. This may be done by a Sponsor (in Norway) or the Applicant (Filipino citizen). On the Portal one fills in the application form (choose ‘study’ rather than ‘work’), pays the visa fee and books an appointment at the Embassy for the applicant to submit his / her supporting documents (see below) and attend an interview.
Supporting documents from the applicant (To be submitted at the Embassy during the interview).
Please note that all copies must be of good quality and have a good contrast. Unclear copies may lead to delays.
Cover Letter (to be printed from the Application Portal after booking an appointment)
One Passport sized picture glued on to the Cover Letter (NB: No staples). The picture must be less than six months old, have a white background and must not be airbrushed or ‘Photoshopped’. For more information click here
Original passport, plus one copy of all used pages in the passport
Documentation of education(Diploma and Transcript of Records) containing information about the duration of the education, its content and the level of the educational institution. Documentation of craft certificates must contain the same information.
PRC Lisence (if applicable)
Documentation of work experience (Only necessary if no formal education)containing detailed information from former employers about the duration, tasks and the nature of the activities.
Applicants may also part-finance the stay by working upto 20 hours per week (any trade). An official job offer must then be submitted along with the application.
A written plan for the Norwegian courses you intend to attend during your stay in Norway
Please note that the Adult Learning Centres (‘Voksenopplæring’) in each local Council (‘Kommune’) in Norway offer Norwegian Courses to beginners. For example: Voksenopplæring – Oslo Kommune
In many cases, the price is half of what is offered by various institutions in the Private Sector.
Application Fee: NOK 2500,- Payable on the Application Portal
Norway remains fully committed to support efforts and keep the path of peace in the Philippines on track. I commend the efforts of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to undertake the decommissioning process. The decommissioning is an important component of the whole normalization process as laid out in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,’ said Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines Erik Førner.
The Norwegian government takes active role to contribute to the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants through the following:
a) Deployment of Norway’s expert as vice-chair for the establishment of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in the person of retired Brigadier General Jan Erik Wilhelmsen. He was previously involved in peacekeeping operations in Barbados, Central Sudan, El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nigeria, and Yugoslavia;
b) Deployment of additional experts in the IDB Headquarters; and
c) Deployment of additional experts in the IDB-verification and monitoring assistance teams (VMAT) that will take charge of the security of the assembly and processing areas and/or the arms storage area for the decommissioning process.
‘Lasting peace is fundamental in bringing development and stability in Mindanao, for the benefit of the entire population of the Philippines. The alternative to peace is continued conflict. Armed conflicts not only takes lives; it also creates and intensifies poverty. It is our wish that the Philippines overcomes the Mamasapano tragedy and unite to support the peaceful resolution of the armed conflict in Mindanao,’ said Ambassador Førner.
Norway has for several years been a part of the International Monitoring Team supervising the ceasefire in Mindanao. It is also the third-party facilitator of peace talks between the Philippine Government and the communist movement.
British-Norwegian boyband A1, together with Blue and Jeff Timmons (of 98 degrees) will be performing live in Manila February 25 (8.00 PM) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A1 consists of Ben Adams, Mark Read and Norwegian Christian Ingebrigtsen. The band had their first breakthrough in The UK in 1999 with a collection of hit singles taken from their debut album.
A1 went on to have many International Top 10 and number 1 hits including ‘Caught In The Middle’, ‘Same Old Brand New You’, their cover of the A-ha classic ‘Take on Me’ and ‘Everytime’ to name but a few.
Listen to A1’s music and watch their latest musicvideoes at www.a1official.com
A1 achieved massive success in the UK, Europe and across Asia, including a Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 2001.
In 2002 the band decided to take a break to pursue various solo projects.
Fast forward seven years, & due to great demand, A1 reunited in Norway, home to Christian, who invited Ben & Mark over for what was originally intended to be a one off performance on a popular TV show. But after an overwhelming response & record audience numbers, this would spark the beginning of what would become a fantastic comeback for A1, performing more than 50 sell out concerts across the country in 2010.
A1’s 4th studio album Waiting For Daylight was released in October 2010 and topped the album charts, with new songs such as Dont Wanna Lose You Again, Waiting for daylight, Take You Home, and In Love and I Hate It.
Having spent the last year creating the album and perfecting their dynamic live show, A1 are ready to take the momentous comeback that began in Norway, and mirror the success throughout the rest of the World.
Don’t miss out on this chance to see A1 live in Manila February 25!
The Philippines and Norway have a long history of bilateral relations, owing mostly to cooperation in the maritime sector. Today, relations between our two countries have expanded to encompass not only the shipping industry, but also other business sectors, labour migration, and peace and reconciliation efforts.
There are approximately 18 000 Filipinos living in Norway. They are a very well-integrated minority group in the Norwegian society with a high level of participation in the work force. There is also a variety of active NGOs and interest groups working to promote Filipino culture in Norway. Every year the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day takes place in many communities around the country.
About 3000 Norwegians are living in the Philippines. Some do business, some do charitable work, whilst others have established new families – or come to spend their retirement under the sun.
Economic Relations and Trade
Economic relations between our two countries comprise shipping, investments in industry, investments from the Norwegian government pension fund, and services, goods and commodities trade.
Business Environment And Trade Overview
The Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC) unites the Norwegian business community in the Philippines and currently has more than 45 member companies and institutions. The Norwegian Embassy is a founding member and is permanently represented in the board of the council.
A lot of the business is still shipping related, but other sectors follow suit. There is also trade with services, goods and commodities. Chemical products are the main export commodity from Norway to the Philippines, followed by fish. Conversely, electronics, machinery, transport equipment and miscellaneous manufactured articles account for about two thirds of the imports to Norway from the Philippines.
Norwegian companies are showing an increased interest in the Philippines. Notably, investments in industrial enterprises have grown in recent years and have shown good profit margins. The energy sector shows promise, with the Philippines having significant potential in the development of hydropower plant and possibly large amounts of untapped natural gas and oil resources. Norway as an energy nation has decades of competence and experience in utilizing and managing such resources.
Shipping
Norwegian shipping companies employ about 25 000 Filipino seafarers aboard their ships or in shipyards, accounting for one third of the total number of seafarers on Norwegian controlled vessels. The Norwegian Training Center in Manila provides relevant training for Filipino seafarers serving on Norwegian ships. Maritime cooperation has remained one of the key elements of our bilateral relations. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA/Sjøfartsdirektoratet) is currently assisting the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in an attempt to ensure that maritime/seafarer education is in compliance with the STCW Convention. A number of Norwegian shipping companies have offices in the Philippines.
Norwegian Government Pension Fund Investments
The Norwegian Government Pension Fund – Global (SPU) holds shares in several Philippine companies. The SPU is one of the largest funds in the world, holding one percent of global equity markets. Its investments in the Philippines currently (Oct. 2013) amount to NOK 3.28 billion (PHP 23.6 billion) and include holdings in Ayala Corp., BDO, BPI, Cebu Pacific Air, Globe, Jollibee, PLDT, PNB, SM and San Miguel, among others.
Diplomatic relations
Norway established diplomatic relations with the Philippines in 1948. From 1952 to 1956, Norway was represented by a Consulate, later, by a Consulate General in Manila. The Embassy was opened in 1967. The Embassy has three sub-sections, the Maritime Section, the Consular Section and the Visa Section. Norway also has a Honorary Consulate in Cebu. Today, Norway is the only Nordic country to have an embassy in Manila.
The Philippine Embassy in Norway was established in 2008, when it moved from Stockholm due to increasing cooperation in energy and the maritime sector, as well as the increasing number of Filipinos living in Norway. Today the embassy covers all the five Nordic countries from Oslo.
Norway supports a number of Filipino development projects, as well as NGOs working for human rights and social development in the Philippines, through its Peace and Reconciliation Fund. Norway is the third-party facilitator of peace talks between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Communist movement, NDFP. In addition, Norway participates in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao related to the peace process between the Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).Back to top
