Norway halts collective asylum for Ukrainian men of fighting age

According to the Utlendingsdirektoratet, 24,825 Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years old were granted collective protection in Norway, with five additional humanitarian permits. In March 2026 the government decided to discontinue collective asylum for this group, obliging new seekers to file individual claims. Since the rule took effect, 90 Ukrainian men have applied individually; 47 cases remain pending, no one has been granted protection, and 43 applications have been turned down.

Freedom Party spokesperson Erlend Wiborg praised the shift, saying Norway cannot shelter men who are expected to serve in Ukraine's defence. The article also notes that EU states have adopted similar exclusions for conscript-age Ukrainians under temporary protection schemes.