Norwegian government limits immigration from Ukraine as refugee numbers surge

Since Russia invaded Crimea and parts of Luhansk and Donetsk regions in Eastern Ukraine in 2014, the conflict has escalated. A full-scale invasion commenced on February 24, 2022, leading to significant military losses and severe impacts on civilians amid strong resistance from the Ukrainian army.

On September 27, the Norwegian government announced new measures to limit immigration from Ukraine, specifically impacting individuals from six western regions: Lviv, Volyn, Zakarpatska, Ivano Frankivsk, Ternopil, and Rivne, who are no longer eligible for collective protection. In September, Norway received more refugees than Denmark and Sweden combined, with 2,128 arriving in Norway, compared to 1,013 in Denmark and 828 in Sweden.

Erlend Wiborg, the immigration spokesperson for the Progress Party, criticized the Norwegian government’s approach, arguing that its generous benefits for incoming Ukrainians attract more refugees than neighboring countries. He believes benefits should align with those in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to ensure a fair distribution of the refugee burden.

In response, Tonje Brenna, Norway’s Minister of Labor and Inclusion, contended that restricting access to assistance would be detrimental. She emphasized that benefits refer to support while individuals participate in work preparation programs, arguing that Wiborg’s proposals would hinder integration into Norwegian society.

Brenna reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assist Ukraine while ensuring that Norway only receives as many refugees as it can integrate successfully. Wiborg, however, insisted that September’s figures indicate a need for stricter policies, suggesting that Norway has reached its capacity for refugee support but remains committed to providing humanitarian aid and military supplies to Ukraine.