Published: 07.12.2023

In a press release, the ministry states the following:

"In recent weeks, around 60 percent of all Ukrainians arrriving in a Nordic country have come to Norway. When so many people come to Norway within a short period of time, this puts capacity of all parts of the chain under pressure. Asylum seekers must also expect a longer stay in reception centres in the future. In the long-term, it may be necessary to provide alternative accommodation in reception centres and housing solutions with a lower standard than what is common today."

- The government is now implementing some measures which, overall, we hope will equalise the level of arrivals with our neighboring countries. Among other things, the measures aim to contribute to a more sustainable level of arrivals, says Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp).

The measures

• The Government will cut the scheme for payment in arrears of child benefit for refugees who have received temporary collective protection.
• The opportunity to travel back and forth between Ukraine and Norway for persons with temporary collective protection in Norway is being tightened.
• Accommodation or transport will no longer be offered to displaced Ukrainians who have traveled to other parts of the country. Persons in need of accommodation in an asylum reception centre must contact the police and UDI at the National Arrival Centre in Råde municipality.
• Accommodation in hotels and the like will no longer be arranged for people who choose to travel to a place other than the National Arrival Centre. In addition, the use of hotels and the like as asylum reception centres is being tightened. The Government will also actively inform arrivals that Norway has a duration of residency requirement for refugees before they can access a number of benefits from the National Insurance Scheme.

Here you can read the press release from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion (external website).