For individuals from Iran who have received a final rejection of their application for residence in Norway, the duty to return remains suspended. The suspension is extended by five months, until 20 September 2026. The police will not carry out forced returns to Iran during this period.
Background
The extension is due to the continued unclear and unstable situation in Iran following the nationwide protests that began around the turn of the year, as well as the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, which started on 28 February 2026.
Processing of cases put on hold
UNE will also continue to put on hold cases that may involve return to Iran, pending sufficient and reliable information about the situation in the country.
At present, conditions in Iran remain so uncertain that there is no basis for processing cases that may result in the return of Iranian nationals.
UNE currently has approximately 140 cases under consideration that involve an assessment of return to Iran, which are being postponed.
Who is covered by the suspension?
The suspension of the duty to return means that individuals who have previously received a final decision requiring return to Iran are, for the time being, not obliged to leave.
The decision applies to Iranian ntionals who:
- have had their application for protection rejected
- have been expelled from Norway
- have had their residence permit revoked
- are staying in Norway and have had their application for a residence permit rejected
Dublin cases not covered
Individuals whose cases fall under the Dublin III Regulation or the first country of asylum rule are not covered by the suspension. They are still required to return to the first European country in which they applied for protection. That country is responsible for processing the case and assessing whether the individual is in need of protection.
The police have been informed
The Norwegian Police Immigration Service (PU) has been informed that individuals with a final decision requiring return to Iran are not to be forcibly returned to Iran during this period.