The Norwegian government has announced a significant change in its policy towards Ukrainian refugees, ending collective protection for those from six regions deemed safe.

Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl stated that refugees from Lviv, Volyn, Zakarpatska, Ivano Frankivsk, Ternopil, and Rivne will now have their asylum applications assessed individually.

This move aims to control immigration levels and align with other Nordic countries.

The decision has sparked criticism from political parties like Venstre, who argue that no part of Ukraine is truly safe due to ongoing Russian attacks.

Despite the policy shift, those already granted collective protection in Norway will not be affected.

The government emphasizes the need for a sustainable and controlled immigration policy, as Norway has received the highest number of Ukrainian refugees in the Nordic region.