Deferral is a decision by an authority to deport a foreign national to his/her home country or another state where he/she can demonstrate legal right to reside.

Expulsion is a decision by the authorities that a foreign national who is staying in Iceland shall be expelled to his/her home country or another state where he/she can demonstrate legal right to reside. In contrast, when a foreign national is expelled, he/she is restricted from returning to Iceland for an extend period of time or permanently.