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 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.

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.

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.

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 therefore promises no new scheme from January 2027. Over the next 3 months, the consultation and public responses are the concrete political milestone.