Norway: men aged 18–60 applying from 5 May 2026 are not covered by collective protection (with exceptions)

WHAT CHANGED The Norwegian government decided that men aged 18 to 60 are no longer covered by the temporary collective protection scheme. Their cases are assessed under the rules for individual protection, which are significantly stricter. [1, 2] The change applies to persons who apply on or after 5 May 2026. [3] WHO IS AFFECTED It does not apply to those who already have collective protection or whose residence permit is to be extended. [4] Some men may still be granted collective protection: men with parental responsibility, guardians or other close family members with sole responsibility for accompanying children or for children already in Norway; men who can document exemption from, or clear inability to perform, military service in Ukraine; men offered medical evacuation to Norway through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), or accompanying relatives of such persons. [5, 6, 7, 8] WHAT TO DO Applicants must themselves document or clearly substantiate that they meet these requirements. [9] VERBATIM FROM THE SOURCE (English) [1] “The government has decided that men between the ages of 18 and 60 will no longer be covered by the scheme for temporary collective protection.” [2] “These cases will be assessed under the regulations for individual protection. The requirements for being granted protection on an individual basis are significantly stricter than for collective protection.” [3] “The change applies to persons who apply on or after 5 May 2026.” [4] “The change does not apply to those who already have collective protection or who are to have their residence permit extended.” [5] “Some men may still be granted collective protection.” [6] “men who have parental responsibility, are guardians, or are other close family members, and who will have sole responsibility for accompanying children or children already in Norway” [7] “men who can document that they are exempt from, or are clearly unable to perform, military service in Ukraine” [8] “men who have been offered medical evacuation to Norway through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), or who are accompanying relatives of such persons” [9] “Applicants must themselves document or clearly substantiate that they meet these requirements.” Source: UDI — https://www.udi.no/en/important-messages/men-between-the-ages-of-18-and-60-can-no-longer-be-granted-temporary-collective-protection-in-norway/ Quotes checked against the official source on 23.10.2026.