The Ukrainian Returns project was officially launched yesterday with the conference, “Ukrainian Returns Under Conditions of Uncertainty.” This initiative explores the legal, political and humanitarian aspects of return and reintegration for Ukrainian refugees, host countries and Ukraine's future.
Today, we had the honour of meeting with the Ambassador of #Uzbekistan to Norway.
The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Nordic countries in the area of safe and regular #migration, labour mobility, and efforts to address irregular migration.
What do #return and #reintegration mean for Ukrainian refugees, host communities, and Ukraine’s future? Find it out at the seminar “Ukrainian Returns Under Conditions of Uncertainty”.
📅 5 March | 08:30–12:40
📍 Litteraturhuset, Oslo
🔗 Register here: bit.ly/3MQYaTC
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting with H.E. Rolando Ruiz Rosas, Ambassador of Peru. We are grateful for the constructive exchange on migration trends, the Peruvian community in Norway, and opportunities for strengthened cooperation on diaspora engagement. 🤝
We had a successful kickoff meeting for the new project UKRAINIAN RETURN, supported by HK-dir, and a collaboration between ISF, IOM, NOAS, and NUAH. The project highlights Ukrainian voices and brings expert input to the public debate on return—an issue of significant practical relevance to society.
Grateful for the opportunity to meet with The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) to discuss the protection and outreach of migrant workers in Norway. We had a valuable exchange with Head of the International Department, Liv Tørres, and First Secretary, Ingerid Marie Utvik. 🤝
Find more information about the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme (VARP) through our new brochure!
Accessible online in 12 languages, it provides information on voluntary and safe support for migrants that want to return to their countries of origin.
🔗 bit.ly/3NdZeka
As we wrap up 2025, we want to sincerely thank you for your support and collaboration throughout the year. We wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season, filled with hope, warmth, and happiness.
Together, let us continue making meaningful progress and positive change in the lives of many. 🙌
Under the Norwegian Cultural Orientation Programme, we concluded 2025 by training four new Cross-Cultural Facilitators (CCFs) to deliver a new curriculum supporting children aged 5+ to prepare for resettlement in 🇳🇴.
🙏 to all of our CCFs and warm welcome to our new trainers!
Migration moves ideas, cultures, and futures.
This #MigrantsDay, let’s recognize the courage behind every journey and the role migrants play in building connected societies. With inclusion and protection in place, migration can benefit us all. bit.ly/44EbsIS
Meetings in Bodø on Thursday highlighted strong collaboration prospects between IOM Norway & local partners🤝
Deputy Mayor Ida Gudding Johnsen | City Councilor Kyrre Kolvik & migration experts | Bodø Kommune | Nordland County Councilor Joakim Sennesvik | Bodø Næringsforum | BRUS | KS Nord-Norge
This week, the Rana Development Agency, the Oslo Region Alliance, and @iom.int launched “Moving to Norway”, a new e-course designed to give international workers a smoother start in Norway.
A warm thank you to all participants for their energy and contributions for the event 🙌
Our E-Course “Moving to Norway – Orientation for International Workers” is now live!
Explore both the national and local versions of the course here:
🔗 bit.ly/48crQBb
🔗 bit.ly/4ij5V01
✍️ Ever tried writing with your non-dominant hand? That’s what adapting to a new culture feels like — unfamiliar at first, but easier with time.
IOM's Norwegian Cultural Orientation Programme helps #refugees bound for Norway explore integration through hands-on learning.
A reminder that #migration is not just about movement — it’s about people.
When every voice is heard and every contribution valued, migration works for all.
#IOMMatters #IOM
#Migration brings ideas, talent, and opportunity.
When it is safe and inclusive, it helps communities thrive — both at home and abroad.
#IOMMatters #IOM
In our first #Syria Country Information Seminar of the year, IOM shared insights into the country’s context and challenges refugees face.
The session helps professionals across Norway strengthen their capacity and provide inclusive, well-informed support for refugee #integration.
Where and how people migrate—and with what outcomes—depend largely on the options available to them.
👉 Expanding regular migration pathways and addressing migrants’ needs across all policies can unlock #migration as a driver of safety, inclusion, and prosperity for all.
#IOMMatters #IOM
Last week, IOM met with staff from several municipalities in northern Norway for an informative seminar on #Afghanistan.
Organized under the Norwegian Cultural Orientation Programme, Country Information Seminars help strengthen local capacity to support #refugees arriving in Norway.
This week, IOM Norway held two virtual sessions with reception centre staff from Innlandet region on the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme (VARP), supporting staff in providing #migrants with accurate information for informed, #voluntaryreturn decisions.
Our new e-course introduces newcomers to #Norwegian history, culture, working life, society, and everyday traditions.
👉 Currently in the piloting phase, with the full launch later in 2025. Find out more: bit.ly/4mw5LUb
💡 Did you know?
#Migration is the movement of people from their usual place of residence, whether within a country or across borders.
Discover the full definition of the term in both English and #Norwegian.
#TermOfTheWeek
We're preparing for the 2025 Embassy Seminar, co-hosted by IOM & the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
The event gathers embassies, authorities and experts to discuss cooperation to facilitate assisted voluntary #return and #reintegration.
Stay tuned for more updates!🤝
For many #migrants, arriving in a new country is not only about seeking safety or opportunity — it's also about building a sense of belonging.
With a strong desire to contribute, they are committed to becoming active members of the communities that welcomed them.🌍
Engaging with #refugees offers a unique exchange of cultures and perspectives.
For those from different backgrounds, it becomes an enriching experience — one that deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and celebrates the value of diversity. 🌍
On #WorldDayAgainstTrafficking, IOM Norway reaffirms its commitment to end human trafficking in all its forms.
We welcome Norway's new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and look forward to working with partners to combat this grave violation of human rights. 🤝
Adapting to life in Norway can be exciting—but also challenging.
Through Pre Departure Orientation, IOM's Cross Cultural Facilitators help refugees to learn about Norwegian culture and social norms, ask questions, and prepare for their new chapter in #Norway with more confidence.🌎
As we continue reflecting on what #migration means, leaving home is not just about crossing borders — it's about stepping into the unknown, learning to adapt, and slowly rebuilding a sense of belonging. 🌍
#Migration is about movement — of people, of hopes, of lives rebuilt across borders.
It brings both opportunities and challenges, resilience and reinvention.
It reshapes identities, bridges cultures, and fosters empathy.
What does migration mean to you? 🌍
Through hands-on exercises exploring cultural adaptation and job market dynamics, participants in the Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) session in Türkiye are gaining valuable insights into how to integrate, access employment opportunities, and navigate life in Norwegian society.
