The Norwegian government is set to implement stricter immigration regulations for newly arrived male conscripts from Ukraine. This decision comes amid a notable increase in the number of young Ukrainian men entering the country since the autumn of 2025.
Justice Minister Astrid Aas-Hansen emphasized the need for controlled, sustainable, and fair immigration practices. “Norway has already accepted the highest number of Ukrainians in Northern Europe. To prevent an overwhelming influx, enhanced controls are necessary,” she stated.
In the near future, the government will present a proposal for public discussion, which suggests that Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 will no longer receive temporary collective protection in Norway, barring certain exceptions. Instead, they will be required to apply for asylum under standard procedures.
Minister of Labor and Integration Kjersti Stenseng remarked, “Norway should not accept more individuals than it can effectively integrate. The resettlement of refugees is a voluntary task for municipalities. In recent years, Norwegian communities have done significant work, resettling nearly 100,000 displaced persons from Ukraine. Many municipalities are reporting overburdened local services and a shortage of housing.”
The proposed regulations will only affect new applicants and will not impact those who already hold temporary collective protection in Norway. Additionally, the restrictions will not apply to men who are officially exempt from service or are clearly unable to serve, nor to individuals evacuated under medical evacuation programs. Exceptions will also be made for men who are sole guardians of children who arrived with them or are already in Norway.
The government aims to finalize these changes by Easter, with a swift implementation thereafter.
In late August 2025, Ukraine altered its border crossing rules under martial law, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to travel to other countries. This adjustment has led to a significant increase in the number of young Ukrainians arriving in Germany. Poland has also reported a notable rise in the number of young Ukrainian men receiving temporary protection.
The Norwegian government plans to tighten immigration rules for Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, requiring them to apply for asylum instead of receiving temporary collective protection. This change aims to manage the increasing influx of young conscripts following recent adjustments in Ukraine's border policies.