Until further notice, the police will not carry out returns to Libya. Applicants’ duty to return after receiving a final rejection of their residence permit application will also be temporarily suspended.
Prolonged unrest and a high level of conflict have led to a deterioration of the security situation in Libya. On this basis, the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has decided to suspend the duty to return.
This means that, until further notice, Libyan applicants who have received a final decision from UNE in which the Directorate of Immigration’s (UDI) rejection is upheld are not required to comply with the duty to return that follows from the decision. In addition to former asylum seekers, this applies to persons who have a duty to return after having received a rejection of their application for residence pursuant to other parts of the regulations.
The suspension decision will allow UNE to gain an overview of the situation and make a thorough assessment of the situation regarding returns to the country.
UNE has informed the National Police Immigration Service (NPIS) that, until further notice, no one in the above-mentioned groups is to be returned.
UNE would like to emphasise that the suspension of the duty to return does not apply to persons covered by the Dublin Regulation or the first asylum country rule. They will continue to be returned to the country in which their asylum applications are to be considered pursuant to international agreements and conventions.
A corresponding decision has also been made by the UDI as the first instance.