Norway changes rules for accepting Ukrainian men aged 18-60

Ukrainian men aged 18-16 will no longer receive temporary collective protection in Norway. This will help as many people as possible to stay in Ukraine to help defend and support the existence of Ukrainian society. This is announced in a statement on the Norwegian government's website on Friday, March 27.

The government has adopted an amendment to the rules that limits the temporary collective protection scheme for Ukrainians. Men aged 18 to 60, with some exceptions, will no longer receive collective protection in Norway.

"The changes to the rules will mean that men aged 18 to 60 will no longer be covered by the collective protection scheme, where a temporary residence permit is issued based on a group assessment. Those who apply for asylum will receive a review in the usual way. The Immigration Administration's practice shows that very few people are entitled to individual protection," the report says.

The government noted that Norway has accepted the largest number of Ukrainians in the northern region since autumn 2025, and Norwegian municipalities are reporting a housing shortage. Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen noted that it is important for Ukrainians to stay at home to protect the state.

Exceptions to the rules

The updates will only apply to new applicants and will not affect those who already have temporary collective protection in Norway.

The changes will also not apply to:

• minors;
• men over 60;
• men who have documents as exempt from military service or are clearly unable to perform military service;
• persons evacuated under the medical evacuation scheme;
• men who have sole custody and accompany children or with children in Norway. This applies only to the child's father or other close family member.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, almost four million Ukrainians who currently enjoy temporary protection in the European Union may lose their legal status.

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