Norway tightens conditions for Ukrainian refugees due to large number of arrivals
Norwegian flag (Photo:Dean Moriarty / Pixabay)
Norway has decided to modify the conditions it sets for Ukrainians to claim temporary asylum in order to discourage new arrivals, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported on Dec. 7.
The changes will primarily impact housing conditions, payments for families with children, and the possibility of returning to Ukraine.
Payments
The plan includes discontinuing social assistance payments for children during the initial 12 months of their stay in the country. This payment is made after the extension of the temporary residence permit following the first year, with families remaining eligible for new monthly payments.
Transition conditions for families already in Norway at the time of the changes are still under discussion.
A "waiting period" before individuals gain access to the full spectrum of social support is also expected to be introduced.
Housing and travel to Ukraine
Controls will be heightened over trips to Ukraine for those receiving social benefits and holding a residence permit, with justification required. Violation of the terms of the residence permit during such trips may result in its revocation.
People seeking housing must exclusively apply to the National Reception Center in the municipality of Rode. The option of accommodation in hotels and resorts will no longer be available for those who relocate to another region, making the National Reception Center the sole "entry point" for housing applications. Accommodation in hotels is expected to be discontinued altogether.
Why Norway is tightening requirements for Ukrainian refugees
The rationale behind these stricter measures is the overwhelming interest in Norway from Ukrainians who fled to Europe due to the war, seeking more favorable conditions than neighboring countries.
Payments for Ukrainians in Norway, as of August, were reported to be 2-4 times higher than those in Sweden, and approximately twice as high as in Denmark.
The surge in Ukrainian arrivals has placed a significant burden on Norway's social security system, with a 50% increase in the number of applicants over the past two months compared to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland combined.
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