diff --git a/.gitlab-ci.yml b/.gitlab-ci.yml
index 58f2d5eae14abed55120ada80b5d714ca12997e1..d8ce84af2267e13d76728bcd33a8ad88c86a3fff 100644
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -45,6 +45,8 @@ Word CR text:
      curl "${CI_API_V4_URL}/projects/$TOOLS_SCRIPTS_PROJECT_ID/repository/files/onem2m_delimiter_end%2Edocx/raw?ref=master" >> onem2m_delimiter_end.docx
     - |
      curl "${CI_API_V4_URL}/projects/$TOOLS_SCRIPTS_PROJECT_ID/repository/files/onem2m_coversheet_template%2Edocx/raw?ref=master" >> onem2m_coversheet_template.docx
+    - |
+     curl --request POST --header "PRIVATE-TOKEN: ${ACCESS_TOKEN}" "${CI_API_V4_URL}/projects/${CI_MERGE_REQUEST_PROJECT_ID}/protected_branches?name=${CI_MERGE_REQUEST_SOURCE_BRANCH_NAME}"
   script:
     - echo 'CR contribution'
     - mkdir docs