“Many Ukrainian refugees in Norway are facing a dilemma. Should they try to stay here, or should they start preparing to return to their home country? The collective temporary protection will eventually come to an end,” says Jørn Holm-Hansen.
He is a researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR) at OsloMet and the project leader for a new report commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (oda.oslomet.no).
The report explores what influences refugees’ own assessments about returning to Ukraine (oda.oslomet.no), as well as the experiences of those who have already gone back from Norway.
It also examines the policies Ukrainian authorities are pursuing toward the many Ukrainians now living abroad.
Trust and safety are key
Population trends are a major headache for Ukrainian authorities, Holm-Hansen explains.
“They’re facing a massive emigration problem, driven by both labor migration and war. There’s simply a shortage of people to work and pay taxes.”
According to Holm-Hansen, trust in the Ukrainian government is the single most important factor when people consider returning. Without trust, the likelihood of return is low.
“Family situation also plays a big role. If you have children under 18 in Norway, the motivation to return is lower. If you have a spouse or children in Ukraine, the motivation increases,” he says.
It’s not always the most resourceful refugees who return.
“Those returning now are often older and more likely to have health issues than the rest of the population,” he adds.
As a result, they contribute little to the Ukrainian labor force, which the government is eager to strengthen.
Ukraine is facing a massive emigration problem, driven by both labor migration and war. There’s simply a shortage of people to work and pay taxes.– Jørn Holm-Hansen
Fear of stigmatization
Half of the refugees in Norway fear negative attitudes from those who stayed behind in Ukraine.
“But the returnees we spoke with in Ukraine haven’t experienced blame or envy,” says the researcher.
Still, there’s a difference between returning during wartime and returning in peacetime.
“We know from other parts of the world that those who stayed during the war often view refugees as privileged. That’s quite the opposite of how we tend to see refugees in Norway – we often perceive them as particularly vulnerable.”
He adds:
“Those who have returned have faced few practical obstacles. But safety remains a major concern.”
Children’s future weighs heavily
Parents are especially concerned about their children’s well-being and education. Many fear that returning would mean uprooting their children all over again.
At the same time, some choose to return precisely for their children’s sake.
“They want to ensure a safer and more familiar school environment,” says Holm-Hansen.
Poor integration in Norwegian schools and concerns that the education is too lax were mentioned as reasons some are considering going back.
What shapes the wish to return
- Trust in authorities: Low trust in Ukrainian authorities reduces willingness to return.
- Children’s future: Parents prioritize safety and education – both in Norway and Ukraine.
- Family situation: Children in Norway reduce return motivation, while family in Ukraine increases it.
- Fear of stigmatization: Many fears negative attitudes, but returnees report little blame so far.
- Practical information: There is a need for clear guidance on the return process and rights.
- Return policy in development: Ukraine is working on measures like dual citizenship and information campaigns.
Return policy in development
Ukraine is working on a new policy for voluntary return. The Ministry of National Unity is responsible for both developing a national identity and maintaining contact with Ukrainians abroad.
They aim to promote a message of national unity and the need to address the demographic crisis.
While they encourage people to return, they also emphasize enabling Ukrainians abroad to contribute from where they are.
According to the ministry, this can be done by sending money home and acting as advocates for Ukrainian interests in their host countries, Holm-Hansen explains.
“A proposed legal amendment allowing dual citizenship is one of several measures to strengthen ties with Ukrainians abroad,” says the researcher.
At the same time, Ukrainian authorities are working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Return should be voluntary and based on solid information. But the organizations stress that safe and dignified return is still not guaranteed.
Recommendations for Return
The report offers several recommendations:
- Avoid stigmatization: International support for return should be directly linked to the return and reintegration process.
- Facilitate visits: Refugees should be able to visit their home country before deciding, to make the most informed choice possible.
- Improve information: Refugees need clear guidance on how to notify Norwegian authorities and institutions when returning.
- Educational cooperation: Norway and Ukraine should compare curricula and inform parents about recognition processes.
- Strengthen access to information in Ukraine: Digital information centers in Ukraine should provide guidance to both returnees and refugees.
“For many, returning isn’t just about Ukraine – it’s about their hometown and local community. It’s a complex decision that requires good information and trust,” Holm-Hansen concludes.
