Norway Pauses Return Obligations for Lebanese Nationals

Key Point  

• Norway has paused all returns to Lebanon through June 18, 2026, due to security concerns. 

Return Obligations for Lebanese Nationals

Norway has temporarily suspended the duty to return to Lebanon for individuals who have received a final rejection of their residence applications in Norway.  

The suspension took effect on 18 March 2026 and will remain in place for three months, through 18 June 2026, pending reassessment. 

Key Changes 

As a result of this temporary suspension, the following measures will apply:  

• No forced returns: Norwegian police will not carry out forced returns to Lebanon during the suspension period.  
• Case processing paused: UDI and UNE have halted decisions that would require return to Lebanon, including pending asylum cases. 
• Reason for suspension: Authorities cite the war between Hezbollah and Israel and the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon as the basis for the decision. 
• Temporary right to remain: Affected Lebanese nationals may remain in Norway legally for the duration of the suspension, even if their departure deadline has passed. 
• No new rights granted: The suspension does not provide additional benefits, such as work authorization, unless already held. 
• Dublin cases excluded: Individuals whose cases fall under the Dublin III Regulation or the first country of asylum rule are not covered and may still be transferred to the responsible European country. 

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