Iceland considers change in residency permits for Ukrainian refugees following Norway’s example

Iceland may cease to grant automatic residency permits to a portion of Ukrainian refugees, following Norway’s example. Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, the Icelandic Minister of Justice, has indicated that this change is a possibility as Norway classifies parts of western Ukraine as safe zones, leading to a rejection of many asylum applications from that region. Consequently, those fleeing from six cities in western Ukraine will no longer receive automatic asylum in Norway, a practice that had been in place since Russia’s invasion began.

Norwegian municipalities are facing pressure due to the influx of refugees, prompting Norway’s Justice Minister to emphasize the need to manage the incoming numbers. Iceland has welcomed around 5,000 Ukrainian refugees since the onset of the war, while Norway has accommodated approximately 80,000.

The Icelandic government has extended the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until the end of February of the following year, impacting both those already in the country and potential arrivals. Although Guðrún has not confirmed any decisions regarding a potential shift in Iceland’s policy, she stressed that Iceland intends to follow the lead of other European countries in these decisions moving forward.

When asked if Iceland might adopt Norway’s approach if more countries define western Ukraine as safe, Guðrún acknowledged that it is a possibility. The situation remains fluid, and Iceland’s approach will continue to evolve based on developments in Europe.