The government emphasised the importance of a responsible and sustainable immigration policy, ensuring control over borders and preparedness for rapid changes in migration flows. It aims to align its system with other European countries to avoid becoming a disproportionately attractive destination for asylum seekers.
Norway will implement parts of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum from summer 2026, strengthening external border control and preventing secondary movements of asylum seekers. The government proposes NOK 200 million in the 2026 budget for implementation and expects improved efficiency in migration management.
Since Russia’s invasion, over 100,000 Ukrainians have sought protection in Norway. The government has tightened the temporary collective protection scheme, limiting eligibility to those from unsafe areas and reducing allocations to the UDI by NOK 70 million in 2026 due to declining arrivals. However, many Ukrainians still need extensions of their protection status. The government remains alert to possible increases in arrivals, especially after Ukraine lifted travel restrictions for young men.
Due to the ongoing strain on housing and welfare systems, the government will reduce Norway’s resettlement quota from 500 to 100 refugees in 2026, reprioritizing NOK 80 million for other needs. This aligns with levels in comparable European countries.
Recent reforms aim to ensure integration and safeguard the welfare state, including:
- Restrictions on family reunification to prevent bigamy and discourage risky journeys by unaccompanied children.
- Extension of financial maintenance requirements for family reunification cases.
- Higher Norwegian language requirements for permanent residence (from level A1 to A2).
- A working group to improve the expulsion process for foreign nationals involved in crime.