Norway has expanded the list of safe regions of Ukraine whose residents cannot receive collective protection. The list includes Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Kiev, Khmelnitsky, Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia and other regions.

This was reported by the Norwegian Directorate for Foreigners (UDI). Thus, residents of these regions will no longer be able to obtain collective protection in the country, which will significantly complicate their legal status abroad.

The corresponding decision was made based on an assessment of the security situation in Ukraine. In September 2024, Norway recognized only the western regions of Ukraine as safe, including:.

After a new review, eight more areas were added to the list, namely:.

According to the official UDI statement, these areas were considered safe because they are fully controlled by the Ukrainian authorities and the risks to the lives of local residents are minimal. Ukrainians who have lived in these areas in the last six months will not be able to claim collective protection in Norway. However, this rule does not apply to those who have already applied for or received permission for temporary protection earlier.

If a citizen of Ukraine in a safe area applies for protection after the list is updated, his case will be considered on an individual basis. In this case, the criteria for obtaining protection are much stricter and the possibility of assistance from the Ukrainian authorities is taken into account. The new restrictions will not affect the following categories of citizens:.

Family members include:.

Norwegian authorities explain their decision by the improvement of the security situation in Ukraine, especially in the central and western regions, where the intensity of hostilities has significantly decreased. Thus, the government intends to optimize migration resources and focus on helping those who really need protection.

" Our task is to provide support to those who are in real danger,” the UDI statement said..

Ukrainians who plan to apply for protection in Norway, but live in regions recognized as safe, are advised to:.

Norway's decision caused different assessments in society. On the one hand, government representatives point to the need to reduce the burden on the migration system. On the other hand, human rights activists express concern, noting that the military conflict in Ukraine continues, and the issue of the safety of residents, even in quiet regions, remains relevant.