Legal expert raises concerns over Icelandic immigration policies affecting humanitarian permits

A legal expert has raised concerns about the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration allegedly using new immigration laws to revoke additional protection and humanitarian permits granted four years ago. Claudia Wilson noted that the new laws, approved by the Alþingi this past summer, are now being actively implemented.

Victims of this policy are individuals and families who had received humanitarian permits in Iceland due to difficult conditions in their home countries. These individuals have established roots in Iceland and are now facing uncertainty as their statuses are reconsidered.

According to Claudia, many of her clients are receiving notifications from the Directorate regarding interviews where decisions will be made about the potential revocation of their protections. After residing in the country for four years, individuals may apply for indefinite residence permits and subsequently citizenship. However, Wilson believes the Directorate is systematically denying these applications based on the new regulations.

Claudia highlighted that the Directorate claims conditions in applicants’ home countries have changed, justifying the denial of protection. Applicants hail from nations like Venezuela and Honduras and are particularly affected by the Directorate’s handling of indefinite residence permit applications and extensions.

The summer announcement from the Minister of Justice, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, asserted that the new laws are intended to ensure humane treatment while preventing abuse of the system. Claudia expressed concerns that these changes could retroactively affect individuals who are already eligible for indefinite residence permits, potentially questioning the legality of such actions. She calls for an investigation by the Parliamentary Ombudsman into the matter, emphasizing the significant impact on hundreds of families who have established their lives in Iceland and wish to remain.