A proposed new law would make it easier to prosecute employers and landlords who take advantage of vulnerable foreign workers, closing a long-standing legal loophole.
The Norwegian government has submitted a new bill to parliament aimed at cracking down on the exploitation of foreign workers, particularly those in vulnerable situations due to temporary or uncertain residency status.
If passed, the legislation would introduce a new criminal provision into the Immigration Act (Utlendingsloven), expanding who can be held accountable for abuse and increasing potential prison sentences.
Closing a Legal Loophole
Under current Norwegian law, only intermediaries such as recruitment agents or housing brokers can be prosecuted for exploiting foreign workers.
This has long been criticised as a gap in the system, as employers and landlords themselves cannot typically be held criminally liable under the same provision. The proposed law would change that.
Employers and landlords who exploit foreign workers could face prison sentences of up to three years, or up to six years in particularly serious cases. This represents a significant increase from the current maximum of two years, which applies only to intermediaries.
Targeting Exploitation Beyond Human Trafficking
Norway already has strict laws against human trafficking for forced labour. However, the government says many cases of exploitation fall short of that legal threshold, while still causing serious harm.
Examples highlighted in the proposal include:
- Underpaying workers
- Charging excessive rent
- Using a worker’s immigration status to pressure them into accepting poor conditions
Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen said the aim is to address these “grey area” cases more effectively.
“Exploitation of foreign workers is a threat to the labour market and a violation of the security and rights of individuals in vulnerable situations,” she said in a government statement.
Focus on Vulnerable Foreign Nationals
The proposal is particularly focused on foreign nationals without permanent residency in Norway, who are seen as being at greater risk of exploitation.
This includes people who rely on employment or housing to maintain their legal stay in the country, making them less likely to report abuse or challenge unfair treatment.
The government argues that stronger legal protections are needed to safeguard this group and ensure fair conditions across the labour market.
A Broader Crackdown on Workplace Crime
The bill forms part of the government’s wider efforts to combat workplace crime and so-called “social dumping,” where foreign workers are offered significantly worse pay or conditions than Norwegian standards.
It also aligns with broader policy goals outlined in national strategies on labour market security and anti-trafficking efforts.
The proposal was submitted to the Storting on 27 March, 2026, and will now be debated before any final decision is made.
What Happens Next?
If approved, the new law would mark a notable shift in how Norway tackles labour exploitation, extending responsibility directly to those who benefit from it.
For foreign workers in Norway, particularly those in more precarious situations, the changes could offer significantly stronger legal protection.
However, as with many legislative proposals, the final outcome will depend on parliamentary debate and potential amendments in the months ahead.
