International protection, rights and application procedure

An applicant for international protection is required to leave Iceland once they have received a final decision refusing their application and have no other legal right to remain in the country.

The authorities aim to ensure that returns are carried out in a professional, orderly and humane manner.

Applicants whose application for international protection has been refused, or who withdraw their application, are generally granted a period of time to leave Iceland voluntarily. The time limit is specified in the decision issued by the competent authority.

Within the given time limit the applicant can submit a request for Assisted voluntary return, which is granted in cooperation with IOM and Frontex.

If no time limit for voluntary departure is specified in the decision or if voluntary return assistance is not asked for within the time limit, the applicant will be escorted from Iceland by the Repatriation and Return Unit of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police.