Norway becomes the third country to offer protection to Ukrainians since Russia’s invasion
The Norwegian Government has enacted a scheme to offer temporary collective protection for one year to people displaced from Ukraine. This scheme primarily covers Ukrainian citizens who were resident in Ukraine until the war broke out. Applicants must provide proof of their identity and nationality, primarily by presenting a Ukrainian passport or ID card.
The temporary collective protection scheme covers Ukrainian citizens who have fled Ukraine since 24 February 2022. It also covers third-country nationals and stateless people who have received national or international protection in Ukraine and third-country nationals who are close relations of the above-mentioned groups. A temporary collective protection permit will apply from the date stipulated in the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s decision in each case.
It has been 15 days since the war in Ukraine broke out. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced not far from us, and Norway must be there for them and welcome them with warmth and compassion. This may be the beginning of a crisis whose scale we cannot fathom yet. By offering temporary collective protection, we can help Ukrainian refugees who come to Norway and settle them swiftly,’ says Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl.
This is a temporary scheme due to the situation in Ukraine. The scheme will be terminated if the situation changes in a positive direction and the general need for protection disappears.
The temporary collective protection scheme means that asylum seekers are granted a permit as a member of a group, and not based on an individual assessment. The permit will be granted for one year and will give the holder the right to work in Norway and bring their immediate family here. The permit does not provide grounds for permanent residence but can be renewed if the situation in Ukraine remains unchanged. The applications of asylum seekers who are not covered by this scheme will be reviewed individually in accordance with the ordinary procedure. The scheme that is now being enacted is very similar to the temporary collective protection scheme implemented by the EU for its member countries.
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