Lilshira
Sweden extends pause on asylum decisions for Iranians and Lebanese until February 2027
Swedish Migration Agency has extended its recommendation to pause the assessment of protection claims for nationals from Iran and Lebanon. The extension runs until 12 February 2027 and applies to all pending and new asylum applications from these two countries.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- The pause on asylum decisions for Iran and Lebanon is extended
- Timing
- Effective until 12 February 2027
- Who is affected
- All asylum seekers from Iran and Lebanon
The details
- Announced by
- Swedish Migration Agency
- Takes effect
- 12 February 2027
- Previous rule
- A recommendation to pause asylum decisions for Iranians was introduced on 14 January 2026 and for Lebanese on 6 March 2026. Both were extended to 12 October 2026.
- New rule
- The pause is now recommended to remain in place until at least 12 February 2027.
Background and decision
The agency first issued a recommendation to halt refusal decisions for Iranian asylum seekers on 14 January 2026, followed by a similar measure for Lebanese applicants on 6 March 2026. Both measures were extended to 12 October 2026 as the situation in the two countries continued to evolve.
Current extension
Because reliable information on the security situation remains insufficient, the agency judges that forward‑looking assessments of protection needs cannot be made. Consequently, it recommends that no refusal decisions be issued for applicants from Iran or Lebanon until 12 February 2027.
- The new recommendation may be shortened if conditions change.
Monitoring and future updates
The Migration Agency will continue to monitor developments in Iran and Lebanon closely. If the circumstances improve or deteriorate, further recommendations could be issued before the current deadline.
Stakeholders are advised to stay informed through official agency communications.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing asylum applications from Iran or Lebanon will remain pending without a decision deadline.
- New applications from these countries can still be submitted but will not receive a refusal decision before February 2027.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced by the extension.
- Required documentation for asylum applications remains unchanged.
What you need to do
- Applicants should continue to submit complete applications as usual.
- Monitor the Migration Agency website for any earlier changes to the recommendation.
Who this affects
-
Iranian asylum seekers
The pause on refusal decisions applies to all protection claims from Iran.
-
Lebanese asylum seekers
The pause on refusal decisions applies to all protection claims from Lebanon.
-
Legal representatives of Iranian applicants
They must advise clients that no refusal decision will be issued until the new deadline.
-
Legal representatives of Lebanese applicants
They must advise clients that no refusal decision will be issued until the new deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Has Sweden extended the pause on asylum decisions for Iranians?
Yes, the Swedish Migration Agency has extended the recommendation to pause refusal decisions for Iranian asylum seekers until 12 February 2027.
What about Lebanese asylum seekers in Sweden?
The same pause applies to Lebanese applicants, with the recommendation now lasting until 12 February 2027.
When does the current pause on asylum decisions end?
The agency states the pause is in effect at least until 12 February 2027, but it may be shortened if circumstances change.
Do I need to submit new documents because of the extension?
No additional documentation is required; the standard asylum application paperwork remains unchanged.
Can the pause be lifted before February 2027?
The Migration Agency may issue a new recommendation earlier if the security situation in Iran or Lebanon changes.
