Norway's Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has issued a directive that alters the asylum landscape for Ukrainians seeking refuge in the country.

The directive, aimed at the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), specifically impacts Ukrainians with dual citizenship, particularly if the second citizenship is in a country recognized by the UDI as safe. Consequently, those individuals will no longer be eligible for temporary collective protection in Norway.

The Ministry underscored the significance of this directive in light of the recent surge in Ukrainian asylum seekers arriving in Norway with dual citizenship. According to the Ministry's guidance, temporary collective protection will not be extended to individuals whose second citizenship falls within the UDI's definition of a safe country for the applicant.

Justice and Emergency Services Minister Emilie Enger Mehl emphasized this point, stating, "The right to protection does not apply to persons who are safe in a country of which they themselves are citizens."

Minister Mehl also criticized the practice of Ukrainians seeking asylum in Norway, characterizing it as an exploitation of the asylum system, especially when they possess citizenship in countries such as Hungary, Sweden, and the United States. The Ministry highlighted that a fast-track 48-hour procedure is reserved for asylum seekers from countries adhering to international human rights standards, while those eligible for protection on an individual basis undergo the regular processing procedure.

In a recent development, Norwegian authorities announced that Ukrainians granted protection in the country could risk losing their residence permit if they travel back to Ukraine. The UDI issued a general directive stating that foreign nationals granted protection in Norway may face permit revocation if they return to the country where they sought refuge. Notably, a prior exception for Ukrainian nationals with temporary collective protection has been revoked.

Minister Mehl underscored the removal of this exception, suggesting that if Ukrainians under protection travel to Ukraine and return to Norway, it might indicate that they no longer require protection in Norway. However, authorities clarified that trips made before the directive's implementation will not lead to permit revocation. In specific cases, Ukrainian citizens may still obtain permission to visit their homeland. This directive reflects Norway's evolving approach to asylum seekers, particularly in response to the complex dynamics of dual citizenship and potential exploitation of the asylum system.

By fLEXI tEAM