'The Labour Party Government's controlled, fair and sustainable immigration policy also applies to displaced persons from Ukraine. Since autumn 2025, too many have arrived in Norway, especially young men. Norway has already received the highest number of Ukrainians in the Nordic region, and Norwegian municipalities report pressure on services and a shortage of housing. We are therefore tightening the rules. This will ensure that Norway does not receive a disproportionate number compared with our neighbouring countries, and will contribute to helping Ukrainians who are already here to find work and support themselves. We also believe it is important that as many as possible remain in Ukraine to contribute to the defence effort and keep Ukrainian society functioning,' said the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Astri Aas-Hansen.

The amendment to the Regulations will mean that men in the age group 18 to 60 will no longer fall within the scheme for collective protection, under which temporary residence is granted on the basis of a group assessment. Those who apply for asylum will have their applications processed in the usual manner. Practice within the immigration administration shows that very few qualify for protection on an individual basis. The amendment will enter into force shortly.

There will be certain exemptions from the tightening. Firstly, it will apply only to new applicants and will not affect those who already have temporary collective protection in Norway. The tightening will also not apply to minors or men over 60, men who are documented as exempt from, or clearly unable to perform, military service, or persons evacuated under the medical evacuation ('medevac') scheme. Exemptions are also made for men who will have sole care for accompanying children or children in Norway. This applies only to the child's father or another close family member.

This text is translated with the assistance of AI.