What is the difference between protection and temporary collective protection?

Temporary collective protection

Collective protection means that UDI does not assess the need for protection individually but gives collective protection to Ukrainians and their family members fleeing the war in Ukraine. This ensures that Ukrainians fleeing the war will get the help they need faster.

The time-limited permit is granted for one year at a time, but may be extended for up to three years. The permit does not form the basis for a permanent residence permit during these three years. After three years, it is possible to obtain a new temporary permit which forms the basis for a permanent residence permit. UDI must make an individual assessment of who this applies to.

Ukrainians who are granted collective protection do not receive refugee status and refugee travel documents. Information about rights and obligations when granted collective protection.

Individual protection (asylum)

When people who have fled Ukraine seek protection in Norway, we first assess whether they are eligible for collective protection. The vast majority receive collective protection.

If you are not eligible for collective protection, we will inform you that your application will be assessed individually. This means that UDI must assess your application according to the ordinary requirements, which apply to all nationalities applying for protection in Norway.

This means that

1) you may be referred to another country according to the Dublin Rules, or Norwegian law, if you have travelled to Norway from a safe country.

2) You may be entitled to protection if you, as an individual,

  • have a well-founded fear of persecution because of ethnicity, descent, colour, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or because of political opinion, or
  • are in real danger of being subjected to the death penalty, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment if you must return to your home country.

If the application is approved, the permit is usually of the type that forms the basis for a permanent residence permit.

If you are granted individual protection you will also normally be given refugee status and travel documents.