Norway funds thousands of Ukrainian return trips with modest travel subsidies

Data from the UDI shows that 6,047 Ukrainians have so far taken advantage of Norway's return-support program, each receiving a travel subsidy of 2,500 kroner. The program also includes a reintegration grant for those whose asylum claims were denied, provided they depart before their exit deadline. About 20 unaccompanied minor asylum seekers have been repatriated through assisted return, the only group currently eligible for that service.

In total, more than 111,000 applications for Ukrainian protection have been filed, most under collective protection, while no individual protection has been granted. At the end of August, 240 ordinary asylum applications from Ukrainians remained pending. The Progress Party's Erlend Wiborg expressed skepticism, warning that generous subsidies might attract refugees seeking financial benefits rather than genuine return.