The government will tighten the right to child benefit when living abroad. The limit will be reduced from six to three months.
We have been aproached by schools that are concerned about students with prolonged absence from school. Although we are sure it is nice and helpful to visit your family or be on a long vacation, this limits the integration and the opportunities of the children to learn Norwegian, Minister of Finance Siv Jensen (Progress) says to the news channel NTB said.
The proposal has been out to consultation and is being adopted by Council on Friday. The Government intends the rules to come into force from July 1. Norwegians who work and study abroad, are exempt from the provisions.
Worried
The leader of the progress party says there is reason to be concerned about pupils who are not getting the education they are entitled to because of the time spent abroad. She notes that KS, Police Directorate and several municipalities have pointed to long-term absence as a problem.
The Children and Equality Minister Solveig Horne (FRP) shares the concern.
– The tightening of the right to children’s allowance is a good way to reduce school absenteeism, she says.
The child benefit is normally at NOK 970 per child per month. The Government’s proposal means that a family will be paid 2.910 million less than today.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
