- We have to find a solution at the political level

In September the newspaper Khrono told the story about professor Justin Parks, who had his application for a permanent residence permit rejected because he had grading assignments for other universities. 

This is unreasonable and unfair, according to Steinar A. Sæther, president of the Norwegian Association of Researchers (NAR/Forskerforbundet), who organizes more than 26.000 researchers and knowledge workers in Norway.

- Contributing to grading and employment committees is an integral part of the academic community. To punish foreign researchers for doing their part, is gravely unfair, Sæther says.

- In a time where Norway wants to attract more foreign researchers, this also seems counterproductive, he adds.
 

Forskerforbundet has asked the Government to change the regulations. And both the Minister of Research and Higher Education, Sigrun Aasland, and the former state secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, Per Olav Hopsø, promised to look into the matter.

Steinar A. Sæther says that Forskerforbundet will monitor the development closely.

- We have received several inquiries from members in the same situation as Parks. This is an urgent matter, and we will keep in touch with the government to ensure that they act soon. As the legal matters are covered by the Immigration Act, we can’t offer personal legal assistance for members experiencing problems with residence permits. We have to find a solution at the political level, and we are hopeful that it can be done, concludes Sæther.