The Repatriation and Return Unit in Iceland manages the coordination of police forced returns as directed by decisions from the Immigration Office (ÚTL). Additionally, the department collaborates with law enforcement on projects concerning potential expulsions and deportations.
The unit provides services to individuals who have received a final rejection of their international protection application in Iceland. These services include guidance on repatriation options and assistance with repatriation grants. The unit also oversees cases until departure and enforces forced deportations for those who do not cooperate in returning to the country where they have the right to stay.
Return Specialist
Return Specialists, working within the unit, assist individuals with voluntary returns to their country of origin or a country where they have permission to stay. They can help apply for return travel grants offered by Frontex or IOM, and appointments can be booked via return@police.is.
Information about Frontex’s return grants can be found here. hér
Information about IOM’s return grants can be found here. hér
Police Officers
Police officers are responsible for carrying out forced returns for individuals who do not have permission to stay in Iceland and have not left voluntarily. They also handle prisoner transportation when necessary.
Accommodation
The Repatriation and Return Unit operates accommodation for individuals who have received a final rejection of their international protection application. They are allowed up to 30 days to stay before departure. Failure to leave voluntarily may result in forced deportation. When forced to leave the country will cause you to be either banned from returning to Iceland and/or entering the Schengen area for no less than two years.
Extended stays may be considered for those who show willingness to cooperate in obtaining travel documents.
