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  1. Home
  2. Asylum and International Protection

Asylum and International Protection

Iceland is a member state of the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention (UNHCR). The Icelandic Act no. 80/2016 on Foreigners addresses the case procedure regarding applications for international protection. The Directorate of Immigration processes the applications at the first administrative level but applications are to be submitted to the police.


Further information about applications for asylum


Who has the right to asylum or international protection?

According to the provisions of the Act on Foreigners, which reflects the UN Refugee Convention, persons who are subject to persecution in their home country or face the risk of capital punishment, torture or inhumane or degrading treatment or penalty have the right to asylum as refugees in Iceland. An asylum seeker, who is not deemed to be a refugee, may be granted residence permit on humanitarian grounds provided strong arguments recommend this, such as serious illness or difficult circumstances in the home country.


Further information about international protection


Other information

Iceland has adopted the Dublin Regulation, according to which the member state, where an asylum seeker arrives first, is responsible for processing his/her application. Hence, all applications in Iceland are first considered with regards whether another member state is obligated to process the application and to receive the applicant again.


Further information on the Dublin Regulation


Applications submitted by people from countries that are defined safe are subject to accelerated case procedure by the Directorate of Immigration.


A list of safe countries

Further information on accelerated case procedure


The welfare authorities in Reykjanesbær, Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður provide service to asylum seekers and the Icelandic Red Cross provides them with legal assistance regarding their application for asylum.


Further information on the rights of asylum seekers and services to them


Basic concepts and definitions

Application process

  • Asylum and International Protection
  • Basic concepts and definitions
  • Application process
  • - How to apply
  • - Application examination
  • - Withdrawing application
  • - Case closed with UTL's decision
  • Return
  • Voluntary Return
  • Rights and services for asylum seekers
  • - Temporary residence and work permit
  • List of safe countries
  • FAQ

Links

  • Ministry of Justice
  • Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board
  • The Icelandic Red Cross
  • Multicultural and Information Center
  • The UN Refugee Agency
  • Icelandic Human Rights Center
  • The Directorate of Labour
  • Registers Iceland
  • The Data Protection Authority

Information

  • Directorate of Immigration
  • Residence permits
  • Visas
  • Icelandic Citizenship
  • Asylum

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Thursday 9 - 14
Fridays 9 - 12

Tel.: 444 0900

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Location

Directorate of Immigration | Dalvegur 18 | 201 Kópavogur | +354 444 0900 | utl@utl.is

Kt. 670269-6399 | Rkn. 0515-26-410424

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