Filipinos well integrated into Norwegian society

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

March 28, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Commission on Filipinos Overseas)

Filipinos living in Norway are exceptionally well-integrated into the Nordic nation’s society, particularly within its maritime sector, Norway’s ambassador to the Philippines said during a recent visit to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

The commendation comes as the CFO under Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II pivots its focus toward active diaspora engagement for national development.

During the meeting, Ang and Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster discussed strengthening ties through worker protection, data sharing, and cultural initiatives.

Ambassador Lyster lauded the Filipino community in Norway, characterizing them as high-quality, skilled professionals who bolster the Norwegian maritime industry. He expressed a strong interest in showcasing the enduring professional and historical links that define the relationship between the two nations.

(Photo courtesy: Commission on Filipinos Overseas)

Lyster also noted the significance of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) in identifying and honoring overseas excellence.

To put this partnership into perspective, the Filipino diaspora in Norway represents a small but highly impactful segment of Europe’s overseas Filipino population. Estimates place the number of Filipinos in Norway between 20,000 and 25,000. The community is largely composed of maritime professionals and healthcare workers, particularly nurses.

The maritime connection runs deep, as Norwegian shipping companies have heavily recruited Filipino seafarers for decades.

(Photo courtesy: Commission on Filipinos Overseas)

The meeting highlighted the CFO’s ongoing shift from purely administrative oversight to active diaspora engagement for national development, which Ang identified as the commission’s flagship framework.

Under its mandate, the CFO is a Philippine government agency tasked with promoting and upholding the interests, rights, and welfare of overseas Filipinos, as well as maintaining their ties to the homeland. To execute this mission, Ang detailed how several flagship CFO initiatives create trustworthy avenues for the diaspora to contribute to the Philippines’ growth from abroad.

The CFO works closely with Philippine embassies and foreign host governments to review program guidelines, monitor participant welfare, and equip departing Filipinos with the knowledge of their destination’s culture and legal rights.

Beyond development, the dialogue addressed the evolving realities of global migration. Ang highlighted the CFO’s continuous efforts in combating human trafficking, preventing domestic violence, and navigating shifts in the international labor landscape.

Recognizing the need to improve service delivery to their respective constituents, Ang and Lyster agreed on the importance of bilateral data sharing. Lyster reaffirmed that the Norwegian Embassy remains open for further collaborations and institutional support.

(Photo courtesy: Commission on Filipinos Overseas)

About the Commission on Filipinos Overseas

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos permanently residing abroad. It is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily addresses the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and other temporary migrants.

The CFO, which is an agency under the Office of the President, works to strengthen the social, economic, and cultural ties of global Filipinos with their home country. Its primary stakeholders include Filipino permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, participants of the US Exchange Visitor Program, participants of Au Pair Program for Europe, and Filipino descendants overseas.

For more information, please contact Atty. Jan Karlo Magracia of the Office of the  Secretary at jkmagracia@cfo.gov.ph.