Following the announcement of the closure of seven reception centres across Norway on 31 August, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has announced the closure of an additional seven reception centres. This brings the total number of reception centres scheduled for closure to 14 nationwide, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2,137 places.
The decision is driven by lower-than-anticipated asylum arrivals. While the number of displaced persons from Ukraine arriving in Norway has largely been in line with official forecasts, the number of asylum applicants from other countries has been significantly lower than expected. This has had a particularly pronounced impact on accommodation needs, as applicants undergoing the regular asylum procedure typically remain in reception centres for considerably longer periods than individuals granted collective protection and other groups.
Currently, the UDI accommodates approximately 9,100 residents across 106 reception centres and units, while the overall reception capacity stands at 14,311 places. The 14 reception centres concerned are scheduled to cease operations by the end of the year.
- Norwegian Directorate of Immigration | Utlendingsdirektoratet (3 September, 2026), UDI legger ned 14 mottak [UDI closes 14 reception centres],