27 thousand Ukrainians with jobs: how Norway integrates refugees and what has changed in 2025
5 January 17:50
The number of Ukrainian citizens who were able to find employment in Norway after the outbreak of full-scale war reached 27 thousand people.
During 2025, the employment rate grew steadily, showing better dynamics than in previous years. This is reported by RFI with reference to the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What is known
Norway records a gradual but steady increase in the number of employed Ukrainians. According to official data, the trend continued throughout 2025 and covered different regions of the country.
Employment rate is a key indicator of successful refugee integration
For Norway, this means a reduction in the burden on the social support system, and for Ukrainians, it means financial independence and long-term prospects for staying in the country.
How Norway achieved this
One of the main factors was the state integration program. Ukrainian refugees are eligible to participate in an introductory course that involves intensive Norwegian language training directly in the municipalities of residence.
In 2024, the authorities tightened the requirements for these programs, focusing on rapid entry into the labor market. Data for 2025 show that this approach has yielded tangible results – the share of employed Ukrainians has increased.
As of the end of 2025, there were more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in Norway. The largest influx of newcomers was recorded in September 2024. By October 2025, more than 96% of Ukrainians had received a residence permit under the collective protection system.
The Norwegian model of integration of Ukrainians is increasingly focused on the labor market, not just social assistance. This could mean further employment growth in 2026, provided that support and language adaptation programs are maintained.
