The Norwegian State Secretary attended the Nordic High-Level Consultation Group on Refugee Issues in Helsinki, where ministers and state secretaries from Nordic countries discussed migration topics, including return, the Pact on Migration and Asylum, innovative solutions, and transitional arrangements for displaced Ukrainians.
They agreed on prioritising returns of persons without legal residence and on aligning approaches to implementing the Pact. Norway is advancing its participation in relevant parts of the Pact and maintaining dialogue with Nordic partners. The EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027 and adopted recommendations for smooth transitions, while Norway has its own similar scheme.
The meeting also addressed recent changes in arrivals to Norway and transitional arrangements for displaced Ukrainians.