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Since April 2015, individuals obligated to leave for Yemen have been allowed to remain in Norway, even if they had not received a decision on this in their own case. This general suspension of return is now lifted.
From now on, each individual must have an independent decision in their own case that gives them permission to reside legally in Norway.
When UNE decided to suspend the duty to return to Yemen back in 2015, it was due to a deteriorated and acutely more difficult security situation in the country. Decisions that entailed an obligation to return could no longer be justifiably enforced.
Now, nearly nine years later, in February 2024, the security situation in Yemen remains extremely challenging. The significance of this will continue to be assessed in individual cases that UDI and UNE are processing. Many Yemenis have been granted independent permits to stay because of this, and, so long as the situation remains, such permits will continue to be granted. Rejections may still occur, particularly in cases where the person in question has the opportunity to stay in a safe third country; that is, a country other than Yemen or Norway.
With the suspension of the duty to return now lifted, in principle, the police will also be able to carry out forced deportations. This will apply to persons who have received a final rejection and then overstayed their deadline to leave Norway. The Police Immigration Unit (PU) has informed UNE that they are aware of just under 10 cases where decisions have been made that involve an obligation to return to Yemen.
Individuals in such situations may apply for a residence permit or request a reconsideration of a previous decision to clarify their opportunity for further stay in Norway. UNE will continue to offer protection in cases where return to Yemen is inadvisable.