Does the duty to return to Syria, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and Iran still apply?
Syria
As of 22 January 2026, UDI and UNE are lifting the suspension of the duty to return that was decided on 28 April 2011. This means that the duty to return to the country of origin following a final rejection once again applies to Syria.
Palestine
From 24 September 2025, UDI and UNE will lift the temporary suspension of the duty to leave that was decided on 18 October 2023. This does not mean that people without a residence permit in Norway must now return to Gaza. No one will still be returned there. The reason is the security and humanitarian situation in Gaza, which means that no one can be returned there.
Lebanon
From 1 May 2025, UDI and UNE lift the temporary suspension of the duty to return to Lebanon that was decided on 31 October 2024. This means that the duty to return to the home country after a final rejection now applies again to Lebanon.
You can read more about the lifting of the suspension of the duty to return to Lebanon here.
Israel
The duty to return to the home country after final rejection still applies to Israel.
Iran
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.
Individuals from Iran who are in Norway with expired residence permits or visas will not be refused entry or stay and forcibly returned as long as the suspension is in effect, even if they are no longer legally residing in Norway.
If you do not already have any established rights in Norway, such as the right to work, the suspension of the duty to leave does not change this. The suspension only gives you the right to remain legally in Norway for as long as it is in force, even if you have been given a deadline for departure.