UNE states this in a press release on its website (in Norwegian only) (une.no). (external website)
UDI supports UNE’s decision. This means that both UNE and UDI will resume processing cases involving an assessment of return to Lebanon that have been put on hold.
- We now have sufficient and up-to-date information about the security and humanitarian situation in the country to process these cases and assess the need for protection upon return to Lebanon, says Marianne Jakobsen, Director of UNE.
Why was the return suspension introduced?
In March 2026, following the escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and the unpredictable security situation, UNE and UDI decided to temporarily suspend the duty to leave Norway for people returning to Lebanon for a period of three months. At the same time, the processing of cases requiring an assessment of return to Lebanon was put on hold.
In June, the suspension and the pause in case processing were extended for a further three months, until 18 September 2026.
Why the suspension has been lifted?
The security situation in Lebanon remains serious. However, the situation is no longer as severe or uncertain as it was when UNE and UDI suspended the duty to leave Norway in March 2026.
- The suspension has now been in place for six months, and people who have a duty to leave Norway for Lebanon have had sufficient time to request a review of an earlier decision or to regularise their stay in another way. From now on, postponement of implementation will be considered on an individual basis until the case has been reviewed again, says Jakobsen.
If you are from Lebanon, have received a final refusal, and are required to leave Norway, but believe that you cannot safely return to your home area, you may ask UNE to review your case again.
The police have been informed
The Norwegian Police Immigration Service (PU) has been informed of UNE’s decision to lift the suspension of the duty to leave Norway for Lebanon.