Suspension of returns to Gaza extended
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The Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) have decided to temporarily suspend the duty to return to Gaza for persons with a final decision which involves a return to Gaza.
UNE decided on 9 September 2024 to extend the temporary suspension to Gaza by six months. For the time being, the temporary suspension lasts until 18 March 2025.
The duty to return to Gaza after final rejection was temporarily suspended in October 2023.
This is due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the worsening of the security situation and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The West Bank is not covered by the suspension.
Who is covered by the suspension?
The suspension of the duty to leave means that those who have previously received a final decision which entails a return to Gaza are, for the time being, not obliged to comply with the decision to leave the country. The decision applies both to former asylum seekers and to persons who have a duty to return following the rejection of an application for residency pursuant to other parts of the regulatory framework.
UNE will not suspend work on cases covered by the suspension and will continue to process cases as usual.
Dublin cases are not covered
Persons with cases covered by the Dublin III Convention or the first asylum country rule are not covered by the suspension. They must still return to the first European country in which they applied for protection, which will process the case and assess whether they need protection.
The National Police Immigration Service has been notified
UNE does not have an overview of the total number of citizens from Gaza who are currently in Norway without legal residence. As of September 2024, UNE has about 10 cases pending that may involve assessment of return to Gaza.
The National Police Immigration Service (PU) has been notified that no persons covered by the suspension are to be forcibly returned to Gaza now.
Read UNE's statement (eksternt nettsted).