Thousands of Ukrainians could seek asylum processing, Iceland agency warns

Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration fears it may have to process international protection applications from more than 6,000 Ukrainians when their temporary protection ends, mbl.is reported.

The warning was included in the agency’s submission to parliament on a bill to amend immigration law. The bill would allow authorities to defer decisions on international protection applications for six years instead of five, in line with the European Union’s extension of temporary protection for people fleeing the war in Ukraine until March 4, 2028.

The agency supports the proposed change but says people under temporary protection could ask for their applications to be examined on their merits once the six-year limit is reached. It believes most may make that request, creating a backlog that could take a long time to clear. The agency says its division responsible for protection and residence permits is already under heavy pressure.

The agency has asked the government to prepare for the expected workload, including by providing more funding. It says extending temporary protection would only postpone the problem. However, it supports the bill’s aim of helping people who have established roots in Iceland apply for standard residence permits rather than remain under temporary protection. The agency supports the bill overall.