March 2024
the Norwegian government officially ended its Au Pair Program. A long time running au pair scheme and a program once designed for cultural exchange but increasingly criticized for exploitation.

What Happened and When
As of March 15, 2024, no new residence permits were issued to au pairs from outside the EEA. Applications already submitted by that date, along with a booked appointment, were still processed. Existing au pairs, even from non-EEA countries, could renew or change families up until their two‑year permit expired.

Why It Was Discontinued
Originally founded as a cultural exchange initiative, the program gradually devolved into a source of affordable domestic help.

Dozens of exploitation cases
including overworked au pairs – mainly from the Philippines, triggered public backlash, used the media for their complainings. The the labour unions and NGOs cited the program as a systemic channel for cheap labour and called for the program to end. The Justice Ministry declared that childcare needs should be filled within the EEA, not via third‑country nationals.

Cultural Exchange Program
What began as a cultural exchange program evolved into informal domestic employment for many participants.

A Tragic Ending
What began as a heartfelt initiative to promote cultural understanding and global friendship has now come to a quiet and bitter end. For thousands of young people-especially women from the Global South – the au pair program was more than just a job. It was a dream of travel, growth, language, and the hope of building a better future.

But when ideals are overshadowed by systemic misuse, even the most well-meaning programs can falter. Norway’s decision to shut the door was not without reason, but for many, it came as a loss. A loss of opportunity, of trust, and of what could have been a bridge between cultures. The stories of kind families and grateful au pairs will always remain, but so will the silent testimonies of those who were let down. In the end, it is a cautionary tale, when care, dignity, and fairness are not safeguarded, even noble exchanges can collapse under the weight of exploitation.

And Now – All Doors are Closed.