A new forecast indicates that 12,600 refugees will need to be settled in Norwegian municipalities in 2025, a significant decrease from the 18,900 initially anticipated. This reduction is primarily due to a decline in arrivals from Ukraine and reflects the effectiveness of government measures aimed at limiting refugee numbers. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Norwegian municipalities have settled 84,000 Ukrainians, but the high intake has strained local capacity. The government emphasises the importance of balancing refugee intake with integration capacity and service provision.
Meanwhile, employment rates among resettled refugees have improved, with 35% of working-age individuals in employment as of April 2025, up from 21% the previous year. Nearly 90% of those completing the introduction programme move into work or other activities, underscoring employment as a key driver of successful integration.