Citizenship cases concerning Palestinians receive a new clarification in instruction AI-4/2026 of 14 October. Three groups require separate assessment and are generally considered stateless unless they are entitled to another citizenship.

What is new in the instruction?

The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion clarifies the practice Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI), the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, must follow in citizenship cases. The instruction replaces AI-3/2024 and clarifies who can still be considered stateless.

The background is Norway’s recognition of Palestine on 28 May 2024. People considered citizens of Palestine are not covered by the special rules for stateless people when applying for Norwegian citizenship.

See the ministry’s instruction AI-4/2026⁠. SamfunnPrep’s Norwegian citizenship guide explains the other conditions that may also affect your application.

Which three groups need separate assessment?

The instruction identifies three groups who may in practice be prevented from obtaining a Palestinian passport with the relevant ID number:

  • Children born abroad to Palestinian parents who are not themselves registered in the civil register.
  • Palestinians living in other countries without formal ties to Palestine.
  • Palestinians living in East Jerusalem.

They are generally considered stateless unless entitled to another citizenship. A connection with Palestine therefore does not by itself determine which rule UDI should use.

Stateless means you are not considered a citizen of any state. This differs from having an expired or missing passport. The status requires an individual assessment.

Which documents matter?

Registration in the civil register in the West Bank, Gaza or East Jerusalem and a nine-digit personal number are central. The instruction normally gives decisive weight to a Palestinian passport with a nine-digit ID number not beginning with 00, or exceptionally a Palestinian ID card.

UDI’s guidance on Palestine⁠ explains why you must select the correct citizenship when checking application requirements. That guidance predates the new clarification. Read the new instruction alongside UDI’s information.

What about applications from before 28 May 2024?

The instruction continues an exception for Palestinian citizens who applied for Norwegian citizenship before 28 May 2024. Their applications must be handled as if they were still stateless.

This is not automatic approval. UDI must still assess the application against the applicable conditions. If you are waiting, keep track of your application date and identity documents.

As of 18 October 2026, the main news is clarification of practice, not new Norwegian citizenship for all Palestinians. Conditions including permanent residence or meeting its requirements must be assessed separately.