‘Immigration to Norway must be controlled, sustainable and fair. Since autumn 2025, Norway – like several other European countries – has seen an increase in the number of young Ukrainian men arriving in the country. Norway has already received the highest number of Ukrainians in the Nordic region. To ensure that we do not receive a disproportionately large share, there is a need for tighter measures,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen of the Labour Party.

The Labour government will shortly circulate for consultation a proposal stipulating that Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years of age, with certain exceptions, will no longer be eligible for temporary collective protection in Norway. This means that they will no longer receive temporary residence permits based on a group assessment. Instead, they may apply for asylum under the ordinary rules.

‘Norway must not receive more people than we are able to integrate. Settling refugees is a voluntary task for municipalities. Norwegian municipalities have made a tremendous effort in recent years and have settled nearly 100,000 displaced Ukrainians. Several municipalities report pressure on local services and a shortage of housing. We are now taking action to ensure that municipalities are able to help people enter employment and take care of their families,’ said Minister of Labour and Inclusion Kjersti Stenseng of the Labour Party.

This week it also became known that Denmark is making changes to its rules on residence for displaced persons from Ukraine. On Wednesday, Danish authorities circulated for consultation a proposal to limit the right to collective protection for Ukrainians from safe areas, inspired by rules already in force in Norway. Danish authorities also propose restricting the right to residence for men subject to exit bans, a proposal similar to that now put forward by the Norwegian government.

‘Norway is the country in the Nordic region that has received the highest number of displaced persons from Ukraine. For immigration to remain sustainable, we must ensure that the threshold for obtaining residence is not lower in Norway than in our neighbouring countries. The fact that Denmark is now proposing amendments therefore makes further restrictions in Norway even more relevant,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Aas-Hansen.

Since September 2024, persons from areas of Ukraine defined as safe by the immigration authorities have not been able to obtain temporary collective protection in Norway. The immigration authorities have processed several asylum applications from persons from such areas. Very few have been granted residence permits.

‘Russia’s war of aggression continues, and Norway’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. It is important that European countries provide long-term civil and military support to Ukraine,’ said Aas-Hansen.

The restrictions will apply only to new applicants and will not affect those who already have temporary collective protection in Norway. The restrictions will not apply to men who are documented as exempt from, or clearly unable to perform, military service, or to persons evacuated through the medevac scheme. Exceptions are also proposed for men who have sole responsibility for accompanying children or for children in Norway.

The government aims to adopt the regulatory amendments before Easter, with entry into force shortly thereafter.

(Translated with the use of a AI)