Headline: Majority of Ukrainian Refugees in Norway Unlikely to Return Home Post-War
Percentage wise, only 10% of Ukrainian refugees in Norway express the intention to return home even after the conflict with Russia concludes. This is according to a recent survey conducted by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
The findings, reported by Norwegian news outlet VG, indicate a significant shift in the mindset of Ukrainian refugees since the war began in 2022. When asked about their post-war plans, approximately 47% assert they do not wish to return to Ukraine, highlighting a growing inclination to settle permanently in Norway.
Dr. Viljar Gjerne from the Institute of Social Research in Oslo notes two prevailing trends among Ukrainian refugees: those who arrived in Norway earlier tend to be more likely to stay, while some recent arrivals also express a desire to remain in the country. Notably, there’s a rise in the number of young Ukrainian men aged 16 to 17 years arriving in Norway, potentially avoiding potential mobilization into the Ukrainian military back home.
Similar sentiments were echoed in a January 2023 poll, where one-third of Ukrainian refugees indicated their intention to stay in Norway, with over half undecided.
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The magnitude of post-war repatriation may hinge on the war’s final scenario, suggests Dr. Olelexi Pozniak, a senior researcher at the Institute of Demography and Social Research in Kyiv. As per El País, between six to ten million Ukrainians are currently living abroad, and Ukraine is exploring strategies to encourage their return, including reducing assistance for refugees and limiting consular services for men of military age.
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