Work in Russia: Norwegian experience

To be effective in their work foreigners should know the distinctive features of Russian law on labor relations, medical care and taxation. For this purpose, Murmansk hosted a seminar on social rights of the Norwegian citizens working in the North-west Russia.

The programme included reports made by the representatives of different government services in Murmansk Oblast. The seminar participants had a window of opportunity to ask questions and get a competent explanation from relevant experts.

Taxation

Under Russian taxation all foreign citizens are divided into two groups – resident and non-resident tax payers. This affects the amount of tax charged. The employment mode is also taken into consideration.

In order to avoid double taxation Norway and Russia signed a joint Convention back in 1996.

Labor relationship

– The Labor Code does not specify whether an employee is from Russia or abroad. There is one general term for all employees. The only difference is that a foreigner has to get work permission first, - underlined Stanislav Fomchenkov, the representative of State Labor Inspection in Murmansk Oblast.

Over the last two years he is taking control over companies in Murmansk Oblast hiring foreign labor force. During this period there was not a single violation or breach registered on the part of Norwegian companies.

Medical care

The foreign employees just as the Russian ones have the right to proper medical care. The Federal Law of Russian Federation contains a separate article titled ‘The right of foreign citizens to health care’.

Not that long ago, in 2005 the Russian government established the procedure how to provide medical care to foreign citizens.

Migration authorities

Presently, the major part of Scandinavian people coming to Murmansk is Norwegians. Nevertheless, there are quite a few incidents occurring between Norwegian citizens and migration services. One of such cases was lately reported on BarentsObserver.

The issue on quote for labor force was also on the agenda. The number of work permissions depends on employers’ demands, i.e. on the number of applications filed by them long before to the Ministry of social development. Though the top management personnel (quite few) have an exception for that rule.

It is quite possible that this procedure of establishing foreign labor quote can change with Shtokman.

- It should be noted that Russian legislation in this regard is quite flexible. The bright example is Olympic Games - Sochi 2014. As soon as the city was chosen, all necessary changes in legislation were introduced within 3 months. – says Vladimir Solovyev, the representative of UFMS in Murmansk Oblast.

The seminar was held on 7-8 October in Murmansk Humanities Institute. And got funding from the Norwegian Barents Secretariat.