Temporary collective protection in Norway: how to get it, social housing, financial assistance and free courses for Ukrainians

The war in Ukraine has led to a historically large flow of refugees to Norway, the country's Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre said. Currently, 30,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the country, but the government predicts that the number of asylum seekers may increase to 40,000 by the end of the year, and to 70,000 in 2023.
Norway is not a member of the European Union, so the procedure for obtaining protection is slightly different from EU countries. Rules and benefits of temporary collective protection in Norway further.
Rules of entry
You can enter Norway on the basis of a Ukrainian biometric international passport. The permitted period of stay is up to 90 days within 180 days (the usual period for the Schengen zone). Also, citizens of Ukraine can cross the Norwegian border without a biometric foreign passport, including children, but only by land transport (car, bus) and ship. Such a road will take about 20 hours. It will be much faster by plane, 2-3 hours. Norway has air connections with many European countries, in Poland flights depart from Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gdansk and Katowice.
Currently, entry restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted and Norway is open for entry.
Pets are allowed, but certain requirements must be met. The pet can also be quarantined for several weeks. However, some exceptions to the general rules for importing animals apply to refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Norway with pets. More detailed information at the link.
Free travel
Ukrainians planning to travel to Norway are entitled to free travel. However, the service is only available on VY trains and express buses. The rule applies only to arrival in Norway - there is no free passage further across the country.
Where to apply for protection?
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Norwegian government decided on "temporary collective protection" of Ukrainian citizens in Norway. Collective protection means that the Directorate for Foreigners (UDI) does not consider the need for protection individually, but provides it to all Ukrainians who fled the war, as well as their family members. Such a procedure significantly simplifies the preparation of documents and speeds up the provision of assistance to Ukrainians.
You can apply for protection in Norway at the refugee center in Råde or at police stations. In most cities, before visiting the police station, you need to call in advance and arrange a check-in time.
At the immigration office, they will take your fingerprints and help you fill out the form (the whole process will take 3-4 hours). The application review period may take several weeks.
Temporary protection is limited in time: it is granted for one year and can be extended up to three years. It entitles you to health care, employment, education, social support and Norwegian language courses.
Dwelling
Medical services
Financial assistance
Where to look for work?
Education
Free courses in Norway
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For refugees
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.