Lawyer claims Icelandic Directorate of Immigration revoking protection permits for asylum seekers

A lawyer claims that the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration is systematically withdrawing supplementary protection and asylum permits granted four years ago, under new immigration laws recently enacted. Claudia Wilson, specializing in immigration matters, reports that many clients are receiving notifications for interviews where their protection status in Iceland may be revoked.

Under the new laws approved by Parliament, those who have resided in the country for four years are eligible to apply for permanent residency and, subsequently, citizenship. However, Wilson argues that the Directorate is increasingly denying these applications, citing changes in the applicants’ home countries as the reason for revocation.

The issues predominantly affect individuals from countries like Venezuela and Honduras, who have established roots in Iceland. The Directorate has informed applicants that the situation in their home countries has changed, thus negating the reasons for their initial protection. Wilson emphasizes that many of these individuals have bought homes and integrated into the community, seeking to remain legally in Iceland.

She raised concerns during a parliamentary committee meeting prior to the law’s approval about the potential retroactive application of these policies, stating that this jeopardizes the rights of those already entitled to permanent residency. Wilson hopes to bring the matter to the attention of the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

The Directorate’s actions are said to impact hundreds, possibly thousands of individuals, including families who have fled conflict, lost loved ones, and want to continue their lives in Iceland. In 2020, around 2,000 people were granted residency for humanitarian reasons.