The background is the security and humanitarian situation in Gaza, which means that no one can be returned there. UNE writes this in a statement on their website [in Norwegian only] (external website).

UNE and UDI suspended the duty to leave to Gaza on 18 October 2023 due to the war between Hamas and Israel. Since then, persons from Gaza without legal residence in Norway have been allowed to stay temporarily. UNE now lifts this temporary suspension as of 24 September 2025.

This does not mean that persons without a residence permit in Norway must now return to Gaza. No one will be returned there at this time.

UDI supports UNE’s decision and will also lift the suspension of the duty to leave to Gaza from the same date.

Runar Pedersen, Protection Adviser at UDI, explains that a suspension of the duty to leave is intended to be a temporary measure:

- UDI’s asylum practice for Gaza is clear, and in today’s situation everyone is protected against return to Gaza. Therefore, there is no longer a need for a suspension of the duty to leave. If there are persons from Gaza with a final rejection in Norway, they will be granted deferred implementation on an individual basis. This means they can remain in Norway until further notice, says Pedersen.