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Not Every Ukrainian Found Shelter in Norway. This Many People Were Refused by the State
In the photo: Meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (22.10.2025, Norway). Fot. Torbjørn Kjosvold, Norweskie Siły Zbrojne
After changes to the regulations on collective protection for Ukrainians, the Norwegian government has recorded an increase in the number of residence permit refusals. The new rules apply to people from so-called safe areas. They have been in effect since autumn 2024.
Ukrainians from 14 areas recognized as safe by the UDI (Directorate of Immigration) are no longer eligible for collective protection, but they can apply for asylum individually. The regulations were introduced in September 2024. In total, applications from 900 Ukrainians have been rejected. 400 of these were individual applications, not related to collective protection.
Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen (Labour Party) reported that appeal bodies have not overturned any rejection decisions so far. She added that many Ukrainians from safe regions choose to leave Norway instead of waiting for their individual cases to be processed. According to UDI data, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, 96,098 Ukrainians have received temporary collective protection in Norway.
Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen (Labour Party) reported that appeal bodies have not overturned any rejection decisions so far. She added that many Ukrainians from safe regions choose to leave Norway instead of waiting for their individual cases to be processed. According to UDI data, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, 96,098 Ukrainians have received temporary collective protection in Norway.
Norwegian Parliamentarians Intervene
Bent-Joacim Bentzen (Centre Party), the party's spokesperson for justice policy, asked the government to confirm that the UDI is monitoring the implementation of the new regulations. He demanded data on the number of refusals for people from safe regions. His actions were a response to the increase in the number of Ukrainians arriving in Norway after the summer of 2024.
Bentzen stated that people from outside areas covered by collective protection have no right to stay in the country. Minister Aas-Hansen replied that the government is monitoring the situation and there is no evidence that the number of arrivals is higher than in other European countries.
Bentzen stated that people from outside areas covered by collective protection have no right to stay in the country. Minister Aas-Hansen replied that the government is monitoring the situation and there is no evidence that the number of arrivals is higher than in other European countries.
The authorities of Norway and Ukraine hold regular meetings mainly regarding aid sent from the land of fjords to the occupied country.Photo: Tomm W. Christiansen, Statsministerenskontor (Flickr.com, CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED)
Restrictions and the Situation in Municipalities
According to then Minister of Labour and Integration Tonje Brenna (Labour Party), the changes were necessary due to increasing pressure on municipalities. She pointed out that there is a shortage of housing and local social services are overloaded. Brenna emphasized that the new rules are intended to enable better integration of people already residing in the country.
At the same time, some of the opposition criticized the government's decision, arguing that there are no completely safe places in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Bentzen from the Centre Party warned that too many newcomers could negatively affect schools, kindergartens, and clinics.
At the same time, some of the opposition criticized the government's decision, arguing that there are no completely safe places in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Bentzen from the Centre Party warned that too many newcomers could negatively affect schools, kindergartens, and clinics.
Further Government Actions
Minister Astri Aas-Hansen stated that the government continues to assess the effects of the changes and monitors the number of new asylum applications. She announced the continuation of individual procedures for people from so-called safe zones, while supporting refugees from regions recognized by the UDI as dangerous.
The government emphasizes that its goal is to maintain a balance between humanitarian aid and control of the migration system. Norwegian authorities announce further analyses and possible actions in case of changes in the scale of arrivals.
The government emphasizes that its goal is to maintain a balance between humanitarian aid and control of the migration system. Norwegian authorities announce further analyses and possible actions in case of changes in the scale of arrivals.
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