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2 minute read
Thousands of Dutch visitors streamed through the halls of Emigration Expo in Houten on 29 and 30 March, and many had their eyes firmly set on Norway. Among them were Rick and Elvire Van Oosterhout, who have made the decision to relocate with their young daughter Lida. Their reasons are familiar: lower kindergarten costs, a more holistic school system, and a work culture that allows families to breathe. “We want her to grow up somewhere different, with access to nature and a school system that supports creativity and exploration,” said Rick. The couple had their first experience of Norway four years ago on a family holiday. Since then, the idea of moving has slowly turned into a concrete plan.
Showcasing the region with a strong, joint presence
At the expo, 28 representatives from Agder and Rogaland stood together on an 80 square metre stand under the Southwest Norway banner. The team included municipal leaders, HR professionals, Welcome Hub staff, EURES advisors, and regional development specialists. The goal was clear: to present a unified, attractive offering to international job seekers looking for both professional opportunities and a new place to call home.
Over the course of the weekend, the expo welcomed more than 17,000 visitors. Many stopped by our stand to learn about life in Southwest Norway and register their interest through southwestnorway.com. With more than 200 vacancies published in the run-up to the event and ongoing updates planned, the platform is becoming a key channel for connecting international talent with Norwegian employers.
A growing need for international talent
This outreach effort comes at a critical time. A recent survey by ManpowerGroup shows that 74 percent of Norwegian employers are currently struggling to find qualified candidates. While work is ongoing to build domestic competence, international recruitment is becoming an essential piece of the puzzle, particularly within sectors such as healthcare, education, technology and construction. Several visitors at the expo had already started planning their move. Others were in earlier phases but eager to learn more.
From conversation to concrete next steps
Per Gunnar Johnsen, chief municipal executive in Gjerstad, came to the expo with two vacant GP positions. By the end of the weekend, he had already established contact with promising candidates and begun making arrangements for follow-up visits to the municipality.
For others, this year’s expo marked the continuation of a journey that started last year. Frank and Irene Groenbos visited the Southwest Norway stand in 2024 and have since received support in their search for jobs. This year, they returned to share some exciting news: Frank had just received a job offer. The couple, together with their adult children Julian and Veerle, are now planning their move to Sauda. The family spent the week before the expo getting to know the area, meeting with local contacts and clarifying how EURES support can help cover relocation costs.
Standing out with the right mix of information and play
A key part of the Southwest Norway stand was the family corner, where children were offered balloon animals, temporary Norwegian themed tattoos and colouring activities. It quickly became clear that entertaining the children gave us valuable time to speak with the adults.
The balloon animals, made by Megan Strand from Agder Welcome Hub, were a particular hit. Anna Kraaijeveldt Enerstvedt from Stavanger municipality also helped create a welcoming atmosphere by chatting with Dutch-speaking children.
Meanwhile, Tore Meinert from Rogaland County Council gave well-attended presentations in Dutch about life and work in Southwest Norway, filling the room on both Saturday and Sunday.
Following up and moving forward
“This is long-term work,” said project manager Rita Østbø Stobbs after two intense days. “The vacancies we brought to the expo represent only a snapshot of what the region can offer. What matters is that we follow up, not only now, but in the months and years ahead.” She points out that a well-functioning pipeline depends on collaboration. “We need employers to stay in touch and keep us informed about their vacancies. That is the only way we can make sure international talent receives relevant opportunities at the right time.”
If you're an employer in Rogaland or Agder looking to showcase job opportunities, register here.
