Arrival of the fittest: Asylum seekers from Ukraine transecting temporary accommodation in Norway
This policy brief examines the response in Norway to the mass displacement of Ukrainians following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over 6.2 million Ukrainians have fled to Europe, prompting the EU to trigger the Temporary Protection Directive, which grants refugees access to services like healthcare, work, and education. By September 2024, Norway has received over 85,000 Ukrainian asylum seekers, with streamlined processes for registration and asylum in arrival and asylum reception centers, operated under contract by commercial hospitality providers (such as HERO and LINK).
The asylum procedures have been adapted to handle large numbers of refugees efficiently, likening it to a production chain and an example of a “logistification of arrival”. Despite efficiency improvements, the system is under strain, particularly on staff and asylum center capacities. Ukrainian refugees benefit from temporary collective protection, enabling them to bypass individual asylum procedures. However, as the war continues and costs rise, Norway has progressively reduced benefits to deter new arrivals, aligning policies with other Nordic countries.
The policy brief is based on interviews with asylum seekers, staff, and managers in three Norwegian arrival and asylum reception centers. It highlights the specific challenges faced by Ukrainians, their motivations for leaving, and the complexities of their asylum journeys. The long-term integration prospects, such as language skills and employment, are impacted by shorter asylum stays, reduced benefits, and Norway’s evolving asylum policies.
Are John Knudsen
