The current Norwegian government is set to implement stricter regulations regarding the influx of Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 seeking refuge in the country. Justice and Emergency Preparedness Minister Astri Aas-Hansen stated that the aim is to ensure that immigration to Norway is controlled, sustainable, and fair. This change comes in response to a significant increase in the number of young Ukrainian men arriving in Norway since the fall of 2025, contributing to Norway receiving the highest number of Ukrainian refugees in the Nordic region.

The new proposal will soon be sent for public consultation, and instead of collective protection, Ukrainian men in this age group will have to apply for asylum under regular procedures. Minister of Labor and Inclusion Kjersti Stenseng emphasized that Norway must not accept more refugees than it can effectively integrate, highlighting the pressure faced by Norwegian municipalities, which have settled nearly 100,000 displaced Ukrainians in recent years, resulting in increased demand for services and housing to accommodate them.

The tightening measures in Norway reflect similar initiatives underway in Denmark, where authorities are seeking to restrict collective protection rights for Ukrainian individuals from safe areas and for men facing deportation. The developments point towards a broader trend of European countries reevaluating their refugee policies in response to the challenges posed by large numbers of displaced individuals, raising questions about the balance between humanitarian obligations and national capacity.