Norway has officially ended collective protection for Ukrainian men

Norway has tightened its rules for refugees from Ukraine. Men aged 18 to 60 will no longer receive collective protection.

This was stated in a notice published on the government’s website.

Men from Ukraine are losing the right to residence based solely on belonging to a group. They must now apply for asylum on an individual basis.

Previously, men from Ukraine could automatically receive temporary residence permits in Norway because they belonged to a specific group — Ukrainians fleeing the war. This type of protection was called collective protection.

Now, men must file individual asylum applications, and the state will consider each case separately rather than handling them together as part of a group.

“Norway has already received the largest number of Ukrainians in Northern Europe, and Norwegian municipalities are reporting pressure on social services and a shortage of housing. That is why we are tightening the rules,” said Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.

The restrictions will apply only to new applicants and will not affect those who have already received collective protection. Exceptions are works for minors, men over 60, persons unfit for military service, people evacuated under medical programs, and those who are solely responsible for caring for children in Norway.

“This ensures that Norway will not receive a disproportionately large number of people compared with our neighboring countries, and it will also help Ukrainians who are already here to enter the workforce and support themselves independently,” the minister added.

In an interview with VG, Aas-Hansen noted that, according to a report by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 200,000 servicemen are absent without leave and 2 million people have evaded service. Therefore, the Norwegian government believes it is in Ukraine’s interest for fewer people to leave the country and for them to be able to contribute to the war effort and support Ukrainian society.