A person who speaks on behalf of a foreign national or person applying for international protection in Iceland and safeguards his/her interests vis-à-vis the Icelandic authorities while the case is being processed.

Right to advocacy services

Foreign nationals have the right to have an advocat appointed

• during the processing of an application for protection at the administrative level and

• during the appeal process of a case concerning refusal of entry, expulsion, or revocation of a residence permit.

Requirements for representatives

The Directorate of Immigration appoints an advocat for the foreign national.

In cases concerning an application for international protection, the advocat must hold a professional qualification or an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in law. More information can be found on the page Advocacy services for applicants for international protection.

In cases concerning the appeal process for refusal of entry, expulsion, or revocation of a permit, the advocat must be an attorney-at-law. More information can be found on the page Expulsion and re-entry ban to Iceland - Advocacy services.

In the case of an unaccompanied child, the advocat must have special expertise in matters concerning children.

Cost of advocacy services

The cost for advocacy services is paid from the State Treasury. Only advocats appointed by the Directorate of Immigration are paid from the State Treasury. If a foreign national chooses to select an advocat other than the one appointed to them, they must pay for the services themselves.

Laws and regulations

Advocats are appointed on the basis of Article 13(3) and Article 30(1) of the Foreign Nationals Act No. 80/2016.