NORWAY: Seven Malaysians have been deported from Norway for allegedly running illegal Northern Lights tours without work permits.
They were among 12 foreign nationals, including five from China, who were stopped in Tromsø, Lofoten, Ofoten and Nordland, Berita Harian reported, quoting an agency report.
Those deported are banned from entering Norway, the EU, and Schengen countries for two years.
Authorities said the unlicensed tours were highly profitable but unsafe.
“Bookings for trips with accommodation, vehicles and guiding services are not free.
“Large sums of money were changing hands, sometimes more than 100,000 kroner (RM40,220) per trip,” said Gudjon Gudjonsson, Nordland Police District section leader.
Kurt Kolvereid Jacobsen, head of the A-Krim Centre Nordland, said: “All you need is a seven-seater or SUV and a driver. Suddenly, you have a Northern Lights safari business.”
He warned many tours were offered via private social media groups at much lower prices than licensed operators.
“Some tourists may choose the cheapest option, only to find out it is a private person driving them around. This can create dangerous situations,” he said, citing incidents of tourists being left in cold vehicles for hours in Troms.
The A-Krim Centre in Troms found that more than half of 44 inspected aurora tour operators had violated regulations.
Police are working with agencies including the Norwegian Tax Administration, NAV, and the Labour Inspection Authority to prevent illegal tourism activities.
Azira Aziz, a Malaysian living in Scandinavia, posted on Facebook: “These tours are illegal. Drivers don’t have permits and tourists have no insurance.
“If anything happens, especially in snowy conditions, tourists may not be protected under the law.”
She added that authorities are not against tourists, but strict rules exist to ensure safety and maintain a fair tourism industry.
Malaysians travelling to Norway are advised to always check if a tour operator is licensed and registered.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
