Implementation of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine – A systematic review of the Nordic countries

On 4 March 2022, the EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive to provide quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Sweden and Finland are bound by this legal framework, whereas Denmark, Iceland and Norway responded by introducing specific national protection schemes for refugees from Ukraine that resemble the EU Directive.

This report provides an overview of how the Temporary Protection Directive and the national protection schemes have been implemented in the Nordic countries and identifies key success factors and challenges.

The analysis identifies differences between the Nordic countries when it comes to the categories of persons who qualify for temporary protection, as well as the protection status that refugees from Ukraine receive. This has implications for the level of support and rights to which refugees from Ukraine are entitled.

The report is produced by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries.