The Norwegian government has decided to significantly tighten the rules for accepting refugees from Ukraine. Men aged 18 to 60, with certain exceptions, will no longer automatically receive temporary collective protection in the country. This was stated in the official government press release on March 27.
Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Os-Hansen explained that this step is due to excessive pressure on municipalities, housing shortages, and the need to balance the number of refugees compared to other Northern European countries.
“Since autumn 2025, too many people, especially young men, have arrived in Norway. We believe it is important that as many people as possible remain in Ukraine, contribute to the fight for independence, and support the functioning of Ukrainian society,” Os-Hansen said.
The regulatory change means that men of mobilization age will no longer be processed through the simplified group procedure.
Those who apply for asylum will go through the standard individual procedure. However, the practice of migration authorities shows that very few people in this category are granted protection on an individual basis.
The changes will take effect in the near future.
The tightening of the rules does not apply to those who have already received a residence permit in Norway. Exceptions are also provided for:
- Minors and men over 60 years old.
- Persons officially exempted from military service for health reasons or unfit for service.
- Patients evacuated under the Medevac program.
- Single parents who care for children independently in Norway.
The Norwegian government emphasized that the goal of these measures is to encourage Ukrainians already in the country to engage more actively in employment and self-sufficiency, while reducing Norway’s appeal as a “social magnet” for new waves of migration.
