The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) suspended the duty to return to Iran.
UDI and UNE noted that the current situation in Iran is unclear following the nationwide protests against the regime that started around the turn of the year. They observed that the Iranian authorities have cracked down the demonstrations and there is great uncertainty about the number of dead and arrested. The regime imposed an almost total shutdown of the internet and communications to prevent the organization and flow of information. Thus, UDI and UNE considered it difficult to confirm events and to get a reliable picture of the situation.
The suspension has been decided for up to three months so that the UDI and UNE can follow developments in Iran and obtain the necessary overview of the situation.
Persons with cases covered by the Dublin III Regulation or the first country of asylum rule are not covered by the suspension.
The National Police Immigration Service has been informed that no persons with a final decision on return will be returned to Iran at this time.