Immigration law

Ukrainians can be granted temporary collective protection in Norway. This means that Ukrainians who come to Norway and apply for protection (asylum) can be granted a temporary residence permit on the basis of Section 34 of the Immigration Act.

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Collective protection makes it possible for a Ukrainian citizen to obtain a residence permit in Norway for one year. The Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness in Norway has also made a change to the immigration regulations which means that displaced people from Ukraine with temporary collective protection will have their permits extended by one year from the expiry of the initial permit.

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An application for collective protection under section 34 of the Immigration Act does not give the right to refugee status. This involves, among other things, that most of the procedural rules for ordinary asylum cases do not apply. Anyone who has been granted collective protection can, however, apply for individual treatment to obtain refugee status (apply for asylum). But as long as the scheme with collective protection persists, the immigration authorities (UDI) will put such an application on hold for up to three years.

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When the scheme with temporary collective protection ceases, or the scheme has lasted for three years, the UDI must process the foreign national's asylum application, if the foreign national still wishes to do so within a set deadline. If the need for collective protection is present after three years, the immigration authorities can issue a new permit which forms the basis for permanent residence in Norway.

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NOTE: Changed situation from and including 28 September 2024 : if you come from areas that the Norwegian authorities define as safe, you will no longer receive collective protection, and must then search for the regulations for individual protection.

The changes do not apply if you have already applied before 28 September 2024, or already have a permit.  

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The areas the Norwegian authorities consider safe as of 28 September 2024 are:

• Lviv
• Volyn
• Zakarpattia
• Ivano-Frankivsk
• Ternopil
• Torn

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You will find updated information on UDI's website.

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Our assistance

If you have questions related to your case, you can book a free meeting with us and we will clarify how we can help you. We can help you navigate the Norwegian asylum system .

Ukrainians can be granted temporary collective protection in Norway. This means that Ukrainians who come to Norway and apply for protection can be granted a temporary residence permit in Norway if certain conditions are met. You can read more about temporary collective protection for people who have fled Ukraine here. The scheme with collective protection gives a refugee from Ukraine the right to work in Norway.

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This article is particularly adapted to you as an employer who wants to offer a job to a refugee from Ukraine.

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When a refugee from Ukraine can start working

Ukrainian refugees who come to Norway can ask for skills and competence that Norwegian employers are looking for. However, a prerequisite for being employed is that the foreigner has received approval that collective protection has been granted by the Norwegian immigration authorities.

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The introductory program

Ukrainians who have been granted collective protection have the right to participate in a municipal introduction programme. The introductory program includes, among other things, training in Norwegian. It may be good for the employer to note that paid work can be included as part of the induction programme.

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Our assistance

If you are an employer and want to offer a job to a refugee from Ukraine, we can assist you through the application process for temporary collective protection , as well as help you with work permits . Our aim is to make the employment process easier for you, while you follow the necessary guidelines.