Photo: Adobe Stock
For individuals from Lebanon whose applications for residence in Norway have been rejeceted, the obligation to return has been temporarily suspended with effect from 18 March 2026. The police will not carry out forced returns to Lebanon during this period.
The suspension of the obligation to return is due to the war between Hizbollah and Israel, and the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon.
Processing of cases placed on hold
Due to the current situation in the country, UNE has also decided to place cases that may involve return to Lebanon on hold. This means that the processing of such cases will be postponed until further notice.
UNE currently has five cases under consideration that involve an assessment of return to Lebanon, wich will now be postponed.
The suspension and the decision to place cases on hold have been made for a period of up to three months. UNE will closely monitor developments in Lebanon and will decide by 18 June 2026 whether the suspension and decision to place cases on hold should be extended or lifted.
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.
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 Lebanon at this time.