UDI 2010-051 Refusal to issue a laissez-passer to persons staying illegally in Iran – Section 12-9 of the Immigration Regulations

The Norwegian embassy in Tehran has previously followed the practice of issuing a laissez-passer to Iraqi and Afghan nationals, regardless of whether or not they hold a valid residence permit in Iran.

The Iranian authorities have informed the Norwegian embassy that they will not issue permits to travel abroad to persons who have been issued a laissez-passer by the embassy if they are staying in Iran illegally. These people are required to return to their country of origin and apply for a visa from there before they can travel to a third country from Iran.

The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) requests the Norwegian embassy in Tehran to take note of the notification from the Iranian authorities. The embassy is requested not to issue a laissez-passer to persons who do not hold a residence permit in Iran, even if an application for residence in Norway has already been granted, cf. Section 12-9 of the Immigration Regulations.

However, the embassy may accept applications and prepare them pursuant to Section 10-2 sixth paragraph second sentence of the Immigration Regulations.

It is stressed that this circular does not entail any change in the current practice at the embassies in Damascus, Ankara, Amman and Islamabad as regards issuing a laissez-passer, even if the applicant does not have legal residence in the country.