Amendments to the Foreign Nationals Act, adopted by Parliament on 16 February 2026, entered into force on 6 March 2026.

Abolition of the 18-month rule

With the legislative amendment, the so-called 18-month rule has been abolished. This rule previously allowed applicants for international protection to be granted a residence permit on humanitarian grounds if a decision in their case had not been reached within 18 months. In the case of children, the time limit was 16 months.

Renewal of permits granted on the basis of the 18-month rule no longer permitted

As a result of the abolition of the 18-month rule, it is no longer permitted to renew residence permits granted on that basis.

Holders of such permits may instead apply for a residence permit based on special ties, without paying an application fee.

Conditions for granting such a permit include, among others, that the applicant:

• is able to support themselves financially,

• does not have pending cases in the criminal justice system involving suspected criminal conduct, and

• is neither serving a prison sentence nor awaiting imprisonment.

The Directorate of Immigration will contact affected individuals and provide further guidance.

Revocation of international protection due to criminal offences

The amendment authorizes the revocation of international protection if a foreign national commits a serious criminal offence after protection has been granted.

Revocation may apply if:

• there are valid reasons to consider the individual a threat to national security,

• the individual has received a final conviction for a serious offence and is therefore considered a danger to society, or

• the individual has been convicted of repeated offences that threaten public order or public safety.

If international protection is revoked, the individual’s residence and work permits will automatically become invalid.

New provision on tolerated stay

A new provision has been added to the Act allowing for the granting of a temporary residence permit on the basis of tolerated stay.

Such a permit may be granted where the fundamental principle of non-refoulement (prohibition of removal to a place where a person’s life or freedom may be at risk) prevents the removal of an individual from the country.

This type of permit may be subject to conditions, for example that the individual:

• reports regularly to the police,

• resides at a designated location, or

• is not entitled to a work permit.

A residence permit granted on the basis of tolerated stay cannot serve as a basis for permanent residence.