Background

As a result of the civil war that broke out in Syria in 2011, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) decided on 28 April 2011 to suspend the duty to return for persons with a final decision requiring return to Syria. This general suspension has since remained in place. 

Grounds for lifting the suspension

UDI and UNE have decided to lift the suspended duty to return to Syria.

UDI is now resuming the processing of asylum applications from Syria. Applications will be processed individually in accordance with the provisions on protection and updated country-of-origin information. Applicants who are not granted protection or residence on other grounds will receive a rejection of their application. UDI considers that the situation in Syria is now sufficiently clarified to allow decisions that entail return to Syria. If UDI rejects the application, the person may appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE).

UDI is not aware of any persons currently residing in Norway who have a final refusal with a duty to return to Syria.

Read UNE’s press release here [in Norwegian only] (external website).