Faroese authorities will soon oversee a large part of the administration of residence permits in the Faroe Islands.
Poul Michelsen, Faroese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has made an agreement with the Danish government, providing Faroese authorities with competences to decide in matters regarding residence permits, work permits, permits for students, family reunification and other matters.
“This is a step in the right direction. These particular issues regarding foreign nationals are most pertinent to the Faroe Islands,” says Poul Michelsen.
Until now the Faroese Immigration Office, Útlendingastovan, has functioned as a consulting party to Danish authorities in matters regarding inter alia work- and residence permits on the Faroe Islands.
“This change will increase our administrative competences regarding foreign nationals and will be an important element in preparing the overall takeover of the area regarding foreign nationals and border control. The work to take over these areas continues,” says Poul Michelsen.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade has presented a proposal to the Faroese parliament that focuses on implementing changes in the Aliens Act. These changes would mean Faroese authorities would hold decision-making powers regarding family reunification, work- and residence permits, etc.
Initially, rules regarding entrance to and residence in the Faroe Islands will remain the same. However, the proposal contains provisions on conditions regarding integration in order to obtain permanent residence permit in the Faroe Islands. Conditions will include the right to require foreign nationals to have a close affiliation to the Faroe Islands, and that they, consequently, must meet certain linguistic requirement.
Words: Levi Hanssen
This article was originally published on: Faroeislands.fo