UDI to resume processing applications for asylum from Syria (information in English) (pdf, 122 kB)
UDI begynner å behandle asylsøknader fra Syria igjen (information in Norwegian) (pdf, 120 kB)
We will begin interviewing the first applicants in January
We will begin interviewing asylum seekers from Syria in January. There is a large number of people from Syria waiting for an answer, however, as well as many applicants from other countries who have been waiting just as long. This means that even though we are going to start working with the applications, it will take a long time for us to finish processing all the applications from those of you who are waiting.
Some cases may take longer to assess
The situation in Syria has changed greatly. UDI has to base its assessment of cases in light of the current situation, which means we also need to collect new information when processing these cases. Consequently, we will have to spend more time on each case, especially initially in January when we start up. As such, it may take longer than usual to receive an answer after you have had your interview. You might also experience that others receive an answer before you, even though they applied after you. Certain cases take more time 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 been waiting a long time and that this is very difficult for you. Unfortunately, most of you will have to be prepared to wait a while longer.
Do you want to travel back to Syria?
If you wish to move back to Syria, UDI can help to make your travel arrangements, and you may receive money to start over again in Syria. This is known as assisted return. You can also apply for money to move to a country other than Syria, provided you have a residence permit for that country that is valid for at least another six months.
How to apply for help to return
You apply for assisted return via our website, udi.no. The personnel at the reception centre can help you to apply.
Note: You do not have to withdraw your application for asylum.
UDI will make your travel arrangements and give you the money when you leave
If your application for help to return is approved, we will buy tickets for you and you will receive the support money at the airport (Oslo Airport) either on the day you leave or when you have arrived in Syria.
You must have a valid travel document
In order to travel under the assisted return scheme, 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 to find out.
- If the police in Norway have your travel document, we will obtain it for you for when you are going to leave.
- If you do not have a valid travel document, you can still apply for assisted return, and we will help you. In such case, you will have to send us authorisation (power of attorney) to allow us to sign a form on your behalf, which in turn gives us the right to send a copy of your documents to the Syrian embassy. The Syrian embassy will also want to speak with you to make sure your return is voluntary. Therefore, we need you to give us a telephone number we can reach you at.
How much money will you receive?
The amount of money you will get depends on where you are in the application process:
- If you apply for assisted return before we have processed your application for asylum, you will receive NOK 15,000.
- If your application was rejected and you have been issued a deadline for departure, and you apply for assisted return before the deadline passes, you will receive NOK 15,000.
- If your application was rejected and you have been issued a deadline for departure, but apply for assisted return after the deadline has passed, you will receive NOK 5,000.
Each person who is returning will receive this support money. This means that if you have a family with children, each child will also receive the money.
If you have children under 18 years of age who will be travelling home together with you, you will receive an additional NOK 10,000 in child support for each child.
Unaccompanied minors seeking asylum receive more money in support
The amounts paid out for unaccompanied minors are higher than for other applicants. We also give support to caregivers you may have in your home country who take you in.
- If you apply for assisted return before we have processed your application for asylum, you will receive NOK 37,000.
- If your application was rejected and you have been issued a deadline for departure, and you apply for assisted return before the deadline has passed, you will receive NOK 37,000.
- If your application was rejected and you have been issued a deadline for departure, but you stay here past the deadline and apply for assisted return after the deadline has passed, you will receive NOK 27,000.
If you have a caregiver in Syria or in another country you can travel to, they will receive NOK 10,000 after you have returned home. This applies regardless of whether you return before or after you have been issued a deadline for departure.
Questions about assisted return?
If you have questions about assisted return to Syria, you can call the UDI's Information Service at +47 23 35 16 00. Press 7 to speak with UDI about assisted return.