The suspension has now been extended by five months, until 20 September 2026. During this period, the police will not carry out forced returns to Iran.
Background
The extension is due to the continued unclear situation in Iran following the nationwide protests that began around the turn of the year, and the war between the United States and Iran that started on 28 February 2026.
Continued suspension of case processing
UDI will, until further notice, refrain from making decisions that would result in return to Iran. This means that we will postpone processing such cases until sufficient and reliable information about the situation in the country is available. We may still process applications that are clearly to be granted.
At present, conditions in Iran remain too uncertain to process cases that could lead to the return of Iranian nationals.
Who is covered by the suspension?
The suspension of the duty to return means that persons 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 nationals who:
- have had an application for protection rejection
- have been expelled from Norway
- have had their residence permit revoked
- are residing in Norway and have had an application for a residence permit rejected
The suspension only grants Iranian nationals the right to remain lawfully in Norway for as long as it is in force, even if they have been given a deadline to leave. Beyond this, the suspension does not affect the rights they have in Norway. For example, it does not confer a right to work if they do not already have such a right.
Iranian nationals who are in Norway with expired residence permits or visas will not be expelled or forcibly returned while the suspension remains in force. This applies even if they are no longer residing lawfully in Norway.
Dublin cases not covered
Persons whose cases fall under the Dublin III Regulation or the first country of asylum principle are not covered by the suspension. They must still return to the first European country in which they applied for protection, which is responsible for processing the case and assessing the need for protection.
The National Police Immigration Service has been informed
The National Police Immigration Service (PU) has been informed that persons with a final decision requiring return to Iran are not to be forcibly returned during this period.