Norway Bars Ukrainian Men Aged 18 to 60 from Receiving Refugee Status.

Norway Tightens Asylum Rules for Ukrainian Men

According to Novyny.live: Starting in the fall of 2025, Norway will no longer grant collective protection status to Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60, with only a few exceptions. The Norwegian government approved these legal changes to its temporary collective protection policy for Ukrainian refugees. Norway currently hosts more Ukrainians than any other Nordic country.

The government aims to enforce a controlled, fair, and sustainable immigration system. Immigration and Integration Minister Astri Aas-Hansen emphasized the need for as many people as possible to remain in Ukraine to contribute to its defense and sustain Ukrainian society.

Who Still Qualifies for Collective Protection

Under the updated rules, the following groups remain eligible for collective protection:

• Minors;
• Men over 60;
• Individuals exempt from military service;
• Those evacuated through medical programs;
• Men who are the sole guardians of children.

Since 2014, at least 8 million Ukrainians have left the country. Norway’s legislative shift reflects fresh challenges in its immigration policy, as well as the serious pressures stemming from the war in Ukraine.

These changes highlight Norway’s effort to balance support for Ukrainian refugees with national security concerns. As the conflict continues and refugee flows remain high, the government is adjusting its policies to meet new realities—keeping protection open for those in need while urging men to stay and support Ukraine during the war. This could reshape future refugee movements and settlement patterns across Europe.