Norway plans to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2027

Norway's government intends to extend the collective temporary protection program for Ukrainian refugees until 2027, Labour and Social Inclusion Minister Kjersti Stenseng announced on Thursday, September 17. The news was reported by "European Pravda", citing Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Stenseng noted that the program is organized differently across countries, but the Norwegian government considers it clear that the protection should not end in 2027.

New scheme starting summer 2027

Starting in the summer of 2027, a new temporary protection program will be offered to Ukrainian refugees. Applicants under this scheme will be required to work and have a stable income. The program will cover displaced persons who previously held temporary protection status that expired on September 17.

The minister said that those currently not employed will soon have the opportunity to find work and apply for a residence permit on that basis.

The government must now put the proposal out for public consultation, which will last six weeks. The new residence permit arrangement will apply to people currently residing in Norway.

About 25,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in Norway under the temporary protection program. Norway's government had earlier stated its intention to tighten entry rules for newly arrived Ukrainian men of conscription age. Norway had also previously announced it would contribute 90 million euros to the Ukraine Facility program to support anti-corruption and energy sector reforms.