There Will Be More Refugees in Norway. Authorities Reveal the Numbers
Norwegian municipalities have been asked to accept 13,000 refugees in 2026. This is a slight increase compared to the current year, when the number was 12,640 people. The request for support was made to local governments by the central authorities.
The increase in the number of refugees will be slight.
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Between 2022 and 2024, Norway accepted record numbers of people fleeing war. In 2022, municipalities settled 35,000 refugees, and a year later, 38,000. In 2024, this number rose to 37,000, but in 2025 it is expected to drop to 12,640 people.
The decrease was caused by a lower influx of Ukrainian citizens and stricter regulations regarding their stay. The Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi) emphasizes, however, that in 2026, another increase in the number of settlements can be expected.
The decrease was caused by a lower influx of Ukrainian citizens and stricter regulations regarding their stay. The Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi) emphasizes, however, that in 2026, another increase in the number of settlements can be expected.
Record Number of Refugees in Norway
IMDi Director Libe Rieber-Mohn stated that Norway has never before accepted so many refugees in such a short time. According to her, this is the result of cooperation with local governments, which provide accommodation and help new residents integrate.
The agency sends official requests to municipalities every year to accept a specified number of refugees. These figures are based on forecasts regarding the number of people arriving in the country and those granted the right to stay.
The agency sends official requests to municipalities every year to accept a specified number of refugees. These figures are based on forecasts regarding the number of people arriving in the country and those granted the right to stay.
Every autumn, IMDi sends letters to municipalities, asking them to accept a specified number of refugees for the following year.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Municipalities Are Often Willing to Cooperate
One of the municipalities set to accept more people is Kongsberg. In 2025, the city accepted 70 refugees, and in 2026, the number is expected to rise to 115. Mayor Line Spiten from the Conservative Party described the decision as a sign of trust in the municipality's work. According to her, residents and local institutions are well prepared for the increased tasks related to integration and support for new arrivals.
In Kongsberg, 58 percent of refugees find employment after completing the integration program, which is one of the best results in the country. The head of the local integration department, Cherif Ousman, emphasizes that cooperation between NAV, the language center, and municipal services allows refugees to enter working life quickly.
In his opinion, the municipality has sufficient infrastructure to accept a larger number of people. Local politicians announce that they will formally support the application to increase the number of refugees next year.
In his opinion, the municipality has sufficient infrastructure to accept a larger number of people. Local politicians announce that they will formally support the application to increase the number of refugees next year.
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