– These are estimates. The government is also developing contingency plans to ensure this number can be higher. It should be emphasized that the situation is changing rapidly, depending on developments war in Ukraine. We are already observing an increase in arrivals to Norway, says Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.

Temporary collective protection means that settlement in municipalities can occur much faster than in a normal individual asylum process. The Minister of Labor and Social Integration asked the Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi) to conduct a study on the ability of municipalities to settle. Municipalities have so far informed that this year they may receive 22.

Within a week, IMDi will send an inquiry to municipalities based on the new forecasts

The Minister of Labor and Social Integration will maintain a close dialogue with municipalities on how municipalities can accommodate more people. The first weekly meeting of the ministry with municipalities on the settlement will be organized on Thursday.

– The need for a settlement is great. I want good and open dialogue with municipalities on the topic further increasing settlement capacity. I'm glad that so many municipalities want to contribute. Together with municipalities and civil society, we will help as many people as possible in the best way possible. By quickly settling refugees in the local environment, they can start a new everyday life, says Minister Marte Mjøs Persen.

Norway will be a safe haven for those fleeing the war

The government has tasked UDI with rapidly increasing collection capacity. Contracts have already been concluded for 8000 seats, and a new tender has been announced for many more. We want to ensure that Norway is prepared for a possible increase in numbers Ukrainian refugees arriving in Norway. From Wednesday, March 16 at 08:00, asylum seekers from Ukraine will be able to register with the police in several places throughout the country.

- The government is preparing Norway for a refugee crisis that may be bigger than we have ever seen. We continue to expand our reception options. Norway will be a safe haven for those fleeing the war. At the same time, I want to emphasize that the government is responsible for the safety of Norwegian soil and therefore we must ensure that this is done in a controlled and responsible manner, says Mehl.