I read an article today at Moss Avis, a local newspaper, where a kommune (municipality) applied to the fylkesmann (regional head) that one area called Larkollen would be declared a tourist spot. Not that it would only attract visitors, but it also means that stores there can operate on sundays. Not to surprise everyone who reads this, but yes, generally all stores are closed on sundays here. That is just the way things have been and that is how the way it is since I came here.

We Filipinos have it in us to go to the mall on sundays with the family to eat at a fast-food/resto or just  window shop. This is one thing I love about living in the Philippines and I miss malling terribly on sundays. It was kinda disappointing when I learned that shops/ stores are closed here on sundays. But there is an exception! Mini shops at gasoline stations and grocery shops smaller than 100 square meters are allowed to operate. There is a silver lining though as the number of shops are opened on sundays  have increased in the past 5 years. That is good news indeed. Still, sundays here can be really boring, if you are used to hanging out at the lively, busy malls we have in Pinas.

Why are malls and stores closed here? Apparently, Norwegians consider sundays as family day. Instead of shopping, they would rather go on hiking, cycling, camping, skiing and insert here more outdoor activities. Friluftsliv (life outdoors) is very popular and very well observed here. Of course, there are those who just stay home, but the main point here is that sunday is a day to spend with your family and the government, by prohibiting store operations, has really made it in a way, mandatory to do so.

So guys, what do you think? :)

No more resident permits for jobseekers to Norway...

As of the 15th January 2013, it will no longer be possible to apply for a residence permit for specialists or a residence permit for skilled jobseekers. Those who applied before 15th January, will have their application fee refunded.

SOURCE:
 http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/News/2012/Option-for-specialist-residence-permits--closed

Information for those who have applied for a residence permit for specialists or a residence permit for skilled jobseekers

Have you submitted an application for such a permit? Then your application will be rejected because this kind of permit does not exist anymore. If you applied before January 15th, you will be able to get your application fee refunded.

In order to get back the money you have paid, please contact the embassy or consulate where you handed in your application (or where you had booked an appointment to hand in your application documents)

If you still wish to work in Norway, you can check whether you fill the criteria for askilled worker's permit. If you do, you can submit a new application for this permit.

Information to those who already have a residence permit for specialists

If you already have a residence permit for specialists, you will be able to renew this if you still fulfill the criteria.

Residence permit for specialists

Residence permits for specialists has been a scheme  which has made it possible to apply for a residence permit if you have an annual salary of at least NOK 500 000.

The ministry of Labour has decided that this scheme will be closed down. The reason for this is that the scheme has not been used as intended and that it has been abused.

Residence permits for skilled jobseekers

The scheme for residence permits for skilled jobseekers will also be closed down. The reason is that very few of the job seekers found relevant work in Norway and that many applicants handed in forged documents. 

Residence permits for skilled workers

If you are a skilled worker and have been offered a job in Norway, you can apply for aresidence permit for skilled workers. (No changes have been made to the regulations for this permit, nor to the early employment scheme).