New opportunities for Ukrainians in Norway: studying and working will become easier
Norway was not ready for such an influx of Ukrainian refugees. While the Baltic states and some other European states have recently recorded a tendency for Ukrainians to return to their homeland, the Norwegian authorities report an increase in the number of Ukrainian citizens applying for temporary protection status.
Attract more Ukrainians to work
Since February 2022, more than 65,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the country. The number of our citizens receiving asylum in Norway is constantly increasing. In 2023 alone, the country accepted 29,000 Ukrainians, and over the past two months, more refugees crossed Norway’s border than arrived in other Scandinavian countries combined. This was announced by the Minister of Justice and Public Security Emily Enger Mehl.
The country attracts Ukrainians with a high standard of living and the conditions offered to migrants.
In connection with the increase in the influx of refugees, the Norwegian authorities are preparing new places for the accommodation of Ukrainians at an accelerated pace. The country’s government also plans to speed up integration programs. Soon, Ukrainians will be able to take a course on integration and language learning online and combine studies with work.
The Norwegian authorities will promote the employment of refugees as soon as possible. At the same time, Emily Enger Mel emphasized that in the future, those who find work in Norway will be able to apply for the higher stages of the integration program and further accommodation in the country.
“Ukrainians want and should become a resource of society. That is why we are improving the integration program with the aim of attracting even more people to work faster”, – the minister notes.
Currently, 5,150 Ukrainians who have received protection status in Norway are employed. 10% of them found a job during the last month.
By October, the country’s government plans to create 2,000 to 3,000 new places in refugee reception centers. Municipalities are also able to set up new shelters for migrants.
The situation in other countries
Sweden is considering legislative changes that would allow expand support for Ukrainians. In particular, refugees will be able to obtain a Swedish social security number. This will make it possible to expand the list of free medical services for Ukrainians, simplify cooperation with banks and provide other opportunities that are currently unavailable to refugees.
In addition, the amount of monetary support for refugees should increase more than four times.
Previously, about the possibility of receiving additional payments reported in Poland. Pregnant Ukrainian women, single mothers, refugees older than 55, and people with disabilities can receive PLN 850 each.
