For individuals from Iran who have received a rejection of their application for residence in Norway, the duty to return has been temporarily suspended. The suspension applies for up to three months, from 20 January 2026. The police will not carry out forced returns to Iran during this period.
Background
The suspension is due to the unclear and unstable situation following the nationwide protests against the regime that began around the turn of the year. The regime in Iran has responded harshly to the demonstrations, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the number of people killed and arrested. The regime introduced an almost total shutdown of internet and communications in order to prevent organisation and the flow of information. This makes it difficult to verify events and to obtain a reliable overview of the situation.
In order for UNE to monitor developments and to gain the necessary overview of the situation, the suspension has been decided for a period of up to three months. During this period, UNE will decide whether the suspension of the duty to return should be extended or lifted.
Processing of cases put on hold
UNE has also decided to put cases that may involve a return to Iran on hold. Putting cases on hold means that UNE will postpone processing until sufficient and reliable information is available. At present, conditions in Iran are so unclear and uncertain that there is no basis for processing cases that may result in the return of Iranian nationals.
UNE currently has approximately 250 cases under consideration involving Iranian nationals. Of these, around 110 cases involve an assessment of return to Iran, which UNE will now postpone processing.
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 country. The decision applies to Iranian nationals who:
- have received a rejection of an application for protection
- have been expelled from Norway
- have had their residence permit revoked
- are staying in Norway and have received a rejection of an application for a residence permit
The suspension does not apply to Dublin-cases
Individuals whose cases are covered by the Dublin III Regulation, or the first country of asylum rule are not included in 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 National Police Immigration Service has been notified
The National Police Immigration Service (PU) has been informed that no individuals with a final decision requiring return are to be returned to Iran at this time.