DFA: Illegal Norwegian language schools in PHL lure Pinoys with fake jobs

Illegal Norwegian language schools in the Philippines are charging exorbitant fees and promising better employment opportunities in Norway upon completion of the course, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned on Monday.

 

The Norwegian government “has not accredited, licensed or recognized any Norwegian Language School/Course operating in the Philippines for profit, nor does it deal or cooperate with any agent or agency,” the DFA said in a news release.

 

“Various unlicensed, unaccredited and informal Norwegian Language Schools/Courses are proliferating in the Philippines ,” the DFA added.

 

It noted that these organizations have enticed many Filipino professionals, especially nurses, to pay unreasonable fees for language classes by untrained teachers for the chance to have well-paying jobs supposedly waiting for them in Norway.

 

“The Norwegian Embassy has released several warnings about said schools and agents and encourages visa applicants to go to the Norwegian Embassy directly, the DFA said.

 

While there are job opportunities in Norway , the DFA said its laws and regulations require professionals to pass Norway ’s rigorous Bergenstest, among other requirements.

 

Oslo requires foreign professionals to also complete Level 3 of its Norskprøve exam from a certified Norwegian school or university in the country.

 

Filipinos who have fallen victim to these language schools are vulnerable to abuse and human trafficking, the DFA said.

 

The Norwegian Embassy does not recommend coming to the country on a “Jobseeker Permit” but rather on a Residence Permit to learn Norwegian.

 

“Filipino professionals wishing to practice their profession in Norway should equip themselves with the proper information by visiting trusted information sources such as Norwegian government websites, such as the Norwegian Embassy in Manila, Norwegian Labor & Welfare Organization (NAV), Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAFH),” the DFA said. - VVP, GMA News