Norway implements stricter measures for Ukrainian refugees in response to increasing influx

Last week, Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl met with her Nordic counterparts in Rosendal, a village in Kvinnherad, to discuss various topics, including the influx of refugees from Ukraine. Mehl remarked, “We received too many Ukrainians in the country. We implemented tightening measures, which seem to have worked, and there may be additional restrictions to come.”

Throughout autumn 2023, many Ukrainians fleeing the war learned that Norway might be a favorable destination, thanks to various blogs and online articles highlighting the country’s robust welfare system. A report revealed that the introduction allowance in Norway was nearly nine times higher than in Sweden. Following this influx, Norway’s UDI reported a notable increase in refugee statistics beginning in August, indicating a significant rise in Ukrainian newcomers compared to other Nordic countries.

In December 2023, the Norwegian government tightened rules for Ukrainian refugees, introducing new housing requirements, reducing child benefits, and limiting travel back to Ukraine. Ukrainians who also hold citizenship in a safe country will not receive temporary collective protection in Norway, and those with such protection may face a wait of up to five years for permanent residency, as opposed to a previous limit of three years.

This significant inflow last year led to many municipalities struggling to accommodate the growing number of arrivals, with Norway hosting 46% of all Ukrainian refugees in the Nordics during 2022. However, the percentage dropped to 31% between February and June of this year.

Justice Minister Mehl acknowledged the efforts made by Norwegians to welcome and integrate Ukrainian refugees, stressing the importance of managing pressure on communities while continuing to emphasize integration as refugees arrive. Meanwhile, the opposition party, Høyre, is advocating for stricter measures, citing issues with job placement and settlement in numerous municipalities.