-I started at the embassy in 1992. Before that, I had been working two years at the home of a family working for the Norwegian Lutheran Mission. As the years went by, I started getting other responsibilities like secretarial duties, until I started working as a visa officer. The job gives me positive challenges, I learn a lot about how to deal with different people, as well as how to tackle technical challenges, and to be practical. It even helps me in my life outside of work, says Alemitu.
Her job is busy most of the time. Whereas the Embassy of Sweden is responsible for Schengen-visa applications ( business and tourist) for Norway, the Embassy of Norway deals with family-reunifications. In addition to that, there are also other cases Alemitu takes care of:
-We have presently processed the repatriation of around 80 Eritrean refugees from Ethiopia to Norway, the first of its kind. We are also expecting to process visas for about 100 Ethiopian students who will start their education in Norway this autumn.
Alemitu has visited Norway two times, studying Norwegian at summer school on both occasions. Though modest when asked about what level she is on, Alemitu has a more than fair command of spoken Norwegian, and can read and understand most of the language.
It wasn’t all work and no play for Alemitu when she was in Norway, she has had a chance to travel quite a bit as well:
- In addition to Oslo, I have been to Bergen, Ålesund, Elverum and Grimstad. I have also stopped for a short while in Drammen, and travelled the mountains of Hardangervidda by bus. I have made quite a few Norwegian friends here in Ethiopia, and they have invited me to their homes and showed me around, says Alemitu.
Alemitu excuses herself as the phone is ringing, and takes up her job as she always does, fast, efficient, and thorough, a trilingual whirlwind blowing for the best of Ethio-Norwegian relations.