# Integration emergency powers: new consultation in 2026 The government proposes emergency rules for Norwegian classes, schools and housing when arrivals are high. Consultation ends 14 December 2026; no January scheme is adopted. Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/nyheter/beredskap-integrering-horing-2026 Language: en Publisher: SamfunnPrep Author: Hlib Suslov Published: 2026-10-04T15:12:44.411+00:00 Modified: 2026-10-07T03:51:57.712143+00:00 AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt ## Key takeaways - 14 December 2026 This is the deadline for consultation responses on the new emergency powers. - Proposal, no new January scheme The government plans to submit a bill to Stortinget in spring 2027. - Temporary measures during crises Permanent legal powers would allow services to be adapted temporarily when asylum arrivals are exceptionally high. Emergency rules for integration could become a permanent part of legislation. The government wants to allow temporary changes to Norwegian classes, schools and housing when asylum arrivals are very high. As of 4 October 2026, this is a proposal under consultation, ending on 14 December 2026. ## What does the government want to change? On 24 September 2026, the government proposed permanent **beredskapshjemler**, meaning legal powers to make temporary exceptions during a crisis. The aim is to help municipalities and county authorities when many asylum seekers arrive within a short time. The proposal draws on experience following arrivals from Ukraine. However, it could also apply in future crises, regardless of people's country of origin. Pressure on services is the deciding factor. [The government's announcement](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/foreslar-nye-beredskapshjemler-for-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere/id3173617/) describes these areas: - **Integration:** Norwegian classes, introduksjonsprogram, skills mapping and career guidance. - **Children:** school deadlines and certain requirements, plus temporary approval of kindergarten places. - **Housing:** easier creation or adaptation of housing and accommodation in specific situations. This concerns both refugees and the local communities receiving them. SamfunnPrep explains the background in its [guide to introduksjonsprogram](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/introduksjonsprogrammet). ## Will the exceptions be permanent? The legal powers themselves would be permanent. Measures using those powers must be temporary and necessary in the specific situation. For integreringsloven, the Integration Act, the ministry proposes allowing such regulations to last up to 1 year. They could be extended by 1 year at a time if the conditions remain satisfied. Ordinary changes in arrival numbers would not be enough. Measures must be removed or adjusted when capacity problems end. This is set out in [the consultation paper, section 4.2.1](https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/e637377e27d0498ab76cfa6d3c55a187/horingsnotat-forslag-til-endringer-i-integreringsloven-m.m.-permanente-beredskapshjemler-for-a-handtere-ev.-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere.pdf). ## What does the proposal mean for you now? The consultation does not introduce new rules for your course or school place. As of 4 October 2026, the proposal is still being considered. If you attend Norwegian classes or introduksjonsprogram, follow the municipality's decision and your plan. News about future powers is not, by itself, a reason to change your participation. Parents and municipalities should particularly follow how service capacity and children's provision are weighed. You can read about ways to influence decisions in SamfunnPrep's [topic on democracy and citizenship](https://samfunnprep.no/en/tema/demokrati-og-medborgerskap). ## What happens before January 2027? The next confirmed deadline is **14 December 2026**. Anyone may submit a consultation response, and responses will be public. The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion (Arbeids- og inkluderingsdepartementet) plans to submit a bill to Stortinget, Norway's parliament, in spring 2027. [The consultation letter](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/forslag-til-endringer-i-integreringsloven-m.m.-permanente-beredskapshjemler-for-a-handtere-ev.-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere/id3173614/) therefore promises no new scheme from January 2027. Over the next 3 months, the consultation and public responses are the concrete political milestone. ## FAQ ### Have the emergency rules been adopted? No. As of 4 October 2026, the proposal is under consultation. The government plans to submit a bill in spring 2027. ### Does the proposal only concern Ukrainians? No. The proposed legal powers could be used for future high arrivals, regardless of nationality. ### Will all exceptions be permanent? No. The legal powers would be permanent, while measures must be temporary. For integreringsloven, regulations lasting up to 1 year are proposed, with extensions possible if the conditions remain satisfied. ### When is the consultation deadline? The deadline is 14 December 2026. Anyone may submit comments, and responses will be public. ## Sources - [Foreslår nye beredskapshjemler for fremtidige høye ankomster av asylsøkere](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/foreslar-nye-beredskapshjemler-for-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere/id3173617/) - [Høring: permanente beredskapshjemler](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/forslag-til-endringer-i-integreringsloven-m.m.-permanente-beredskapshjemler-for-a-handtere-ev.-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere/id3173614/) - [Høringsnotat: permanente beredskapshjemler](https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/e637377e27d0498ab76cfa6d3c55a187/horingsnotat-forslag-til-endringer-i-integreringsloven-m.m.-permanente-beredskapshjemler-for-a-handtere-ev.-fremtidige-hoye-ankomster-av-asylsokere.pdf) Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Integration emergency powers: new consultation in 2026", SamfunnPrep, 2026-10-04T15:12:44.411+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/nyheter/beredskap-integrering-horing-2026