Title: More than Half of Ukrainian Refugees in Norway Consider Permanent Settlement
Article:
A significant majority of Ukrainian refugees in Norway, nearly 47%, have expressed their intention to stay even if the war in their home country ends, according to a recent poll. This indicates a shift in the temporary migration pattern initially observed when the conflict began.
The survey, conducted by Imdi on behalf of VG Nett, found that only 10% of the refugees expressed a desire to return to Ukraine. This trend is supported by research from the Norwegian Institute of Urban and Regional Research (NIBR) at Oslo Met. Wilde Hernes, the institute’s researcher, identified two key trends among Ukrainian refugees in Norway:
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Long-term residence intent: Ukrainians who have been in Norway for an extended period are more likely to want to stay permanently.
- Recent arrivals’ changing mindset: Those who have arrived more recently are increasingly expressing their intention to stay, rather than return to Ukraine.
Hernes also noted an increase in the number of young Ukrainians aged 16 and 17 arriving in Norway. This trend, she believes, might be influenced by fears of conscription into the military as the conflict continues.
Meanwhile, in Germany, discussions have begun on curtailing assistance to Ukrainian refugees, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz encouraging the job-seeking and repatriation of unemployed Ukrainians.
