Norway is restricting temporary protection for some Ukrainians: who is affected by the new rules
28 March 06:26
Norway is changing the rules for temporary collective protection for Ukrainian citizens. From now on, men aged 18 to 60 will, in most cases, no longer be able to obtain collective protection under the simplified procedure. This was reported by the government’s press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
This applies specifically to new applicants. Ukrainians who already have collective protection in Norway or are renewing their current residence permits are not subject to the new restrictions.
What exactly is Norway changing?
Previously, Ukrainians who met the program’s criteria could receive temporary collective protection based on a group assessment, without individual review of each case. Now, men aged 18–60 will no longer be covered by this scheme. Their cases will be reviewed under the rules for individual protection, where the requirements are significantly stricter.
The Norwegian government explained the change by noting that since the fall of 2025, the country has seen an increased influx of migrants from Ukraine, particularly young men, and municipalities have reported pressure on housing and local services. The Norwegian government also explicitly stated that it wants to avoid a situation where Norway accepts a disproportionately large number of people compared to neighboring countries.
Who is exempt from the new rules
The Norwegian authorities have provided for exceptions. The restrictions do not apply to minors, men over 60, individuals who are officially exempt from military service, or people evacuated under a medical program. Separate exceptions will apply to men who are the sole guardians of children arriving with them or already in Norway.
When will the new restrictions take effect?
The UDI reports that the decision has already been made, but the exact effective date was not initially specified. However, on March 27, 2026, the directorate published a notice stating that men aged 18–60 are no longer eligible for temporary collective protection in Norway.
What this means for Ukrainians
In practice, the new rules mean that some Ukrainian men who planned to travel to Norway specifically under the collective protection scheme will no longer be able to use this procedure. Theoretically, they can apply for individual protection, but the chances of a positive decision are lower there, as the criteria are stricter.
For those Ukrainians who are already legally residing in Norway under the collective protection program, nothing changes: their status will not be automatically revoked due to the government’s new decision.
Why this matters
Norway’s decision shows that European countries are gradually revising their approaches to accepting Ukrainian refugees, particularly given the strain on housing, social services, and the labor market. In Norway’s case, the government has explicitly linked the new restrictions to issues of integration, community resources, and support for the Ukrainian community during the war.
