The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has, with effect from 24 June 2025, decided to suspend the processing of applications for protection (asylum) from individuals from Syria for up to six months, until 24 December 2025.
Suspending the processing of cases means that the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) will postpone processing these cases until sufficient information is available about the situation in Syria. The reason for this suspension is the ongoing uncertainty in the country. At present, we do not have adequate information about the security situation in Syria to ensure well-informed and just decisions.
Depending on how the situation in Syria develops, the Ministry may decide to resume case processing at an earlier date, i.e., before 24 December 2025. Here you can read the press release from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (in Norwegian only).
Suspension of the obligation to return for Syrian nationals
Since 28 April 2011, UNE has had a general suspension of the obligation to return for Syrian nationals. Following a new assessment, we have decided to maintain the suspension, which will as a general rule remain in effect until 24 December 2025.
This means that Syrian nationals who have received a final rejection of their case and who do not have a new application under consideration are still not required to return to Syria.
The decision applies to both individuals who have applied for protection (asylum), and individuals who are under an obligation to leave the country following a rejection of a residence application under other parts of the immigration legislation.