Foreign tour guides working illegally in Faroe Islands raise concerns among local guides

Foreign tour guides are reportedly working in significant numbers in the Faroe Islands without appropriate work permits, creating a growing problem in the region.

“It is only the police that can address violations of immigration laws, which is why the Faroese Tour Guide Association has requested a meeting with the police,” states Hilda Thomsen, the association’s chairwoman.

Randi Meitil, one of the local tour guides, noted that just last Thursday, several foreign tour guides were present at the airport, ready to welcome international tourists. According to immigration law, foreign tour guides are required to have work permits to operate in the Faroe Islands, yet many do not possess them.

“Not only are they violating the law, but they can be so bold as to use Faroese guides as their apprentices,” Meitil adds.

Meitil emphasizes that a precedent is necessary to halt the influx of foreign tour guides into the Faroe Islands. Hilda Thomsen hopes that a meeting with the police will expedite action on this issue.

Thomsen insists that it can no longer be an excuse for foreigners to argue that there are too few local guides available in the Faroe Islands.