Applications for international protection in Iceland drop by over half from last year

The number of applications for international protection in Iceland has fallen by more than half compared to the same period last year. The decrease is significant, particularly in applications from Venezuela. Over the first eight months of this year, just over 1,400 asylum seekers arrived in Iceland, down from nearly 3,000 during the same timeframe last year. The largest group of newcomers is from Ukraine, with nearly 1,000 individuals. Since Russia’s invasion, Ukrainians have been granted temporary residency in the country, with almost 5,000 Ukrainians arriving in Iceland since February 2022.

In addition to a drop in Venezuelan applications—from 1,500 in 2023 to just 160 this year—authorities have decided to cease automatic additional protection for Venezuelan refugees, resulting in most applications being denied.

Aside from applicants from Ukraine and Venezuela, the majority of other asylum requests come from Palestine, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Recent amendments to immigration laws have tightened regulations concerning family reunification and residency periods. Additionally, new provisions allow for service withdrawal if asylum seekers refuse to leave the country after their applications are denied. The Minister of Justice has announced intentions to introduce further changes to immigration laws this winter, aiming to refine the asylum process and regulations in Iceland.