The forecasts for 2018 and 2019 were each cut by 0.2 percentage points compared with predictions made in October.

"We expect somewhat higher growth in the Norwegian economy this year and next compared to last year, and that employment will grow a little faster," NAV said.

In February, registered unemployment fell to 2.5 percent and is expected by analysts to continue decreasing to 2.4 percent in March.

NAV also predicted the number of unemployed people, including those on job training, would fall from 79,000 in 2018 to 78,000 in 2019.