Bill would tighten family reunification and residence rules

A bill before Iceland’s parliament would tighten the requirements for family reunification and indefinite residence permits, mbl.is reports. Justice Minister Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir has submitted the bill to the government’s consultation portal.

The proposal would amend three laws: the Foreign Nationals Act, the Act on the Registration of Individuals and the Act on State Revenue.

Applicants for indefinite residence permits would need to have lived in Iceland for at least six years, up from four. They would also have to be up to date on taxes, public charges and fines. The bill would end an exemption from income and subsistence requirements for people with international protection or humanitarian residence permits.

Parents aged 67 and over would no longer have a general right to family reunification. A permit could still be granted in compelling circumstances, such as a need for care or having no other close relatives in their home country. The bill would also require accommodation used for family reunification to be large enough for the family.

For a spouse or cohabiting partner to qualify for a residence permit, the minimum age would rise from 18 to 24. The required period of cohabitation would increase from one year to two.

The bill would clarify the requirements for renewing residence permits and when exemptions apply. The Directorate of Immigration would also gain wider authority to obtain information from other public authorities to verify that applicants continue to meet the conditions.

People granted residence permits based on specialist expertise in the labour market currently receive permits tied to their jobs. Under the proposal, they could receive a new 12-month permit if exploitation or a serious violation is suspected, giving them time to seek another job and pursue their rights.