The Green Party (MDG) is demanding that the government secure permanent residence for the first 30,000 Ukrainian refugees who next year reach the maximum limit for temporary collective protection in Norway.

“The 30,000 have no idea what will happen in 2027. It is time for the government to remove that uncertainty and make it clear that they will be granted permanent residence,” MDG leader Arild Hermstad tells Nettavisen.

Ukrainians who came to Norway after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 were granted residence under a scheme of collective protection. This may be renewed year by year, but has a maximum limit of five years. Time spent under collective protection also does not count towards the three years normally required to apply for permanent residence.

The government informs Nettavisen that Ukrainians may in principle be transferred to another type of temporary residence permit, which may count towards permanent residence, but this does not occur automatically.

The Progress Party (FrP) warns against MDG’s proposal.

“Ukrainians should return to their homeland and contribute to reconstruction when the war is over. It is therefore unfortunate to send signals that temporary protection should automatically result in permanent residence in Norway,” says immigration policy spokesperson Erlend Wiborg in an email to NTB.