UDI resumes processing asylum applications from Syria (information in English) (pdf, 103 kB)

UDI begynner å behandle asylsøknader fra Syria igjen (information in Norwegian) (pdf, 120 kB)

We will start interviewing the first applicants in January

We will begin interviewing asylum seekers from Syria in January. However, a very large number of people from Syria are waiting for a decision. There are also many applicants from other countries who have been waiting just as long. This means that even though we are starting to work on these applications, it will take a long time before all cases have been processed.

Some cases may take longer to assess

The situation in Syria has changed significantly. UDI must assess cases in light of the new situation, which means we also need to take new information into account when processing applications. As a result, we need to spend more time on each case, especially when we resume work in January. This means it may take longer to receive a decision after your interview than has previously been the case. You may also experience that some applicants receive a decision before you, even if they applied after you. Some cases will take longer than others.

More information towards the end of January

We will provide more information about our work on these cases towards the end of January.

We know that you have already waited a long time, and that this is very difficult. Unfortunately, most of you must be prepared to wait a while longer.

Do you want to return to Syria?

If you wish to return to Syria, UDI can help organise the journey, and you may receive financial support to help you start again in Syria. This is called assisted return. You can also apply for financial support to move to a country other than Syria, provided you have a residence permit in that country that is valid for at least six months.

How to apply for help to return

You apply for assisted return on our website, udi.no. Staff at the reception centre can help you with the application.

Note: You do not have to withdraw your asylum application.

UDI arranges the journey and pays the financial support when you leave

If your application for assisted return is approved, we will purchase your tickets and you will receive the financial support at the airport (Oslo Airport), either on the day you travel or after you have arrived in Syria.

You must have a valid travel document

To travel with assisted return, you must have a valid travel document.

• If you are unsure whether you have a valid travel document, you can call us and we will help you find out.
• If the police in Norway are holding your travel document, we will arrange for you to receive it when you are due to travel.
• If you do not have a valid travel document, you can still apply for assisted return and we will help you. In that case, you must send us a power of attorney allowing us to sign a form that authorises us to send copies of your documents to the Syrian embassy. The Syrian embassy will also speak with you to ensure that the return is voluntary. For this reason, we need you to provide a telephone number where we can contact you.

How much money will you receive?

The amount you receive depends on how far you are in the asylum process:

• If you apply for assisted return before we have processed your asylum application, you will receive NOK 15,000.
• If you have received a rejection and a deadline to leave, and you apply for assisted return before the deadline expires, you will receive NOK 15,000.
• If you have received a rejection and a deadline to leave, but apply for assisted return after the deadline has expired, you will receive NOK 5,000.

Each person who travels receives this amount. This means that if you are travelling as a family with children, each child will also receive this amount.

If you have children under the age of 18 who are returning with you, you will additionally receive NOK 10,000 in child support per child.

Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers receive higher financial support

If you are an unaccompanied minor, the amounts paid are higher than for others. We also provide support to caregivers who receive you in your home country, if applicable.

• If you apply for assisted return before we have processed your asylum application, you will receive NOK 37,000.
• If you have received a rejection and a deadline to leave, and you apply for assisted return before the deadline expires, you will receive NOK 37,000.
• If you have received a rejection and a deadline to leave, but remain in Norway after the deadline and then apply for assisted return, you will receive NOK 27,000.

If you have a caregiver in Syria or in another country you are able to travel to, they will receive NOK 10,000 after you have returned. This applies regardless of whether you return before or after you have been given a deadline to leave.

Do you have questions about assisted return?

If you have questions about assisted return to Syria, you can call the UDI Information Service on +47 23 35 16 00. Press 7 to speak to UDI about assisted return.