This spring, Relocation Agder is celebrating an important milestone. They have helped over 600 international employees and their families establish themselves in the region.
After several years of work, Relocation Agder has become experts in Norwegian immigration frameworks and network building. The service consists of the trio Solfrid O’Malley, Neha Sharma, and Birthe Helland.
Relocation Agder is part of Business Region Kristiansand and started as a two-year pilot project. Today, it is a solid support function for companies recruiting international talent.
“The gap between a signed contract and the first day at work is significant when a new employee has to move from, for example, India, Brazil, or South Africa. This is where we come into the picture. We don’t assist with recruitment, but we take over when a partner company has secured an international talent,” explains team leader Birthe Helland.
Relocation Agder offers a range of services. They handle immigration and registration tasks, often related to the Directorate of Immigration, NAV, the Police, and the Tax Administration. They also assist with practical aspects such as housing, cars, and schools. At the same time, they advise partners in the job search process and organize social gatherings for internationals from autumn to spring.
“We all go to great lengths to meet the individual needs of the families we work with. Our goal is to ensure that their transition to their new daily life in Norway is as safe and efficient as possible,” says Helland.
A Kind of Anniversary
The University of Agder was the first to request such services in Agder. Like many other HR departments, they had experienced how resource-intensive and time-consuming these processes are. In the autumn of 2018, they contacted Business Region Kristiansand with a request to develop such a service.
Six years later, Relocation Agder has a growing partner portfolio with 16 organizations from academia, public, and private sectors.
“Having passed over 600 assignments is incredibly exciting for us. It feels like a kind of anniversary, so it’s important for us to celebrate the growth,” says advisor Solfrid O’Malley.
Those who have followed the team long enough describe them as a well-oiled machine. Nevertheless, they also manage to prioritize the more personal dimensions of the job.
“It’s about the people and their families. They are creating a whole new life. We must all do our part to welcome them well when they have decided to settle with us,” continues O’Malley.
The Competition for Qualified Labor
To achieve societal goals related to green transition and business development, among others, we must assert ourselves in the competition for qualified labor. Norwegian natural beauty, healthcare, and political stability are strong selling points.
At the same time, internationals report in annual surveys such as Expat Insider that it can be challenging to establish oneself in Norway compared to other countries. Neha Sharma, who moved from Bangalore, India in 2010, recognizes these challenges.
“I understand well how it feels not knowing where to go and what is right. At our welcome meetings, we set aside time to explain as much as we can. We talk about the system, lifestyle, social norms, and work culture. It’s fun to be part of a team that works with these things,” says Sharma.
The international surveys, as well as feedback from the business community, show Relocation Agder’s importance for Agder.
“There has been a fantastic development and professionalization since we started working on the service in 2018. The over 600 new employees that Relocation has assisted have now become a network of international ambassadors for the region. It shows the importance of this type of work for host attractiveness and talent recruitment to Agder,” concludes Geir Haugum, Head of Business Development in Kristiansand municipality.
3 about Relocation Agder
Helene Braathen
Director of Human Resources and Organization/
“From the beginning of the collaboration, we have been very satisfied with the services and commitment delivered by Relocation Agder. Their combination of professionalism and friendliness is unique!”
University of Agder
No’omi-Ann Berge Acosta
HR Manager/ OSM Thome
“Relocation Agder provides impeccable service and expertise for us as an employer, but most importantly for our new employees. They can come to Agder with confidence that we act fully in accordance with current regulations and entirely in line with our business values.”
Tone Kristin Øverkil
Group People Office Manager/ Norse Atlantic Airways
“Relocation Agder provides fantastic follow-up of our employees and their families, both during application processes and when they have arrived in both Arendal and Oslo. So we are very grateful that they exist and equally for our good cooperation.”
Published: 12.04.24