The amendment means that men in the age group 18 to 60 are no longer covered by the scheme of collective protection, under which a temporary residence permit is granted based on a group assessment. Applications for protection will be processed individually. The immigration authorities’ practice shows that very few qualify for protection on an individual basis.

The change will only apply to new applications and will not affect those who already have temporary collective protection in Norway, according to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. There will also be certain other exemptions.

In the press release, the Ministry states that the change will enter into force shortly. We will update the information for applicants with the exact date of entry into force once it is known. Read the full press release on regjeringen.no here [in Norwegian only] (external website).