Norway Tightens Immigration Rules for Ukrainian Refugees
Norway has proposed to tighten some of its current rules in an effort to ensure control over immigration and integration of Ukrainian refugees.
The Norwegian government aims to bring the conditions more in line with the other Nordic countries and thus ensure that its reception system is not under pressure. The high number of arrivals has led to increased pressure on the municipalities, prompting the need for tightened measures, according to Norwegian Labour and Inclusion Minister, Tonje Brenna.
To be able to provide services to Ukrainians without straining the system, the Norwegian government wants to no longer provide financial assistance to Ukrainians who have decided to live in a place they have secured instead of the asylum reception centres. Additionally, Norway will also no longer cover the costs of pets of newly arrived Ukrainian asylum seekers.
In addition to these changes, the government has decided to introduce a 12-month residence requirement for one-off benefits and a requirement for a longer period of residence in the country to receive benefits.
Recognizing the potential of Ukrainian refugees to contribute to the workforce, Norway wants to push them to take up jobs in the country and support themselves. In line with the new changes, Ukrainians in Norway will be required to spend at least 15 hours per week on work-oriented activities.
The government believes that tightening the offer and the level of performance is necessary to safely control the flow of refugees and avoid pressure on the municipalities becoming so high that the support to help Ukraine could be challenged, according to Norwegian Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness, Emilie Enger Mehl.
Overall, these measures aim to ensure a controlled reception of Ukrainian refugees and support their integration while relieving pressure on the system and encouraging self-sufficiency.
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