Iceland Immigration Detention Profile | Global Detention Project | Mapping immigration detention around the world

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Iceland Immigration Detention

Quick Facts

Persons expelled (2018): Not Available
International migrants (2015): 37,500
New asylum applications (2016): 1,075

Centres List

No detention centres data available

Statistics Expand all

A. Detention, expulsion, and incarceration statistics

Not Available

Number of apprehensions of non-citizens

2018

Number of apprehensions of non-citizens

Number	Observation Date
Not Available	2018
Eurostat. Asylum and Managed Migration. Enforcement of Immigration Legislation. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/asylum-and-managed-migration/data/database.
30	2009
Eurostat.Third country nationals found to be illegally present - annual data (rounded).

Not Available

Number of persons removed/returned (voluntary returns and deportations)

2018

Number of persons removed/returned (voluntary returns and deportations)

Number	Observation Date
Not Available	2018
Eurostat. Asylum and Managed Migration. Enforcement of Immigration Legislation. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/asylum-and-managed-migration/data/database.
15	2009
Eurostat. Third country nationals returned following an order to leave - annual data (rounded).

124

Criminal prison population

2016

Criminal prison population

Number	Observation Date
124	2016
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
152	2013
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

16.9

Percentage of foreign prisoners

2016

Percentage of foreign prisoners

Percentage	Observation Date
16.9	2016
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

37

Prison population rate (per 100,000 of national population)

2016

Prison population rate (per 100,000 of national population)

Number	Observation Date
37	2016
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
47	2013
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

B. Demographics and immigration-related statistics

329,000

Population

2015

Population

Number	Observation Date
329,000	2015
United Nations Population Fund, State of World Population, http://www.unfpa.org/fr/world-population-dashboard

37,500

International migrants

2015

International migrants

Number	Observation Date
37,500	2015
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

11.4

International migrants as a percentage of the population

2015

International migrants as a percentage of the population

Percentage	Observation Date
11.4	2015
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

573

Refugees

2018

Refugees

Number	Observation Date
573	2018
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
375	2017
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
179	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
179	2015
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
99	2014
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern

0.76

Ratio of refugees per 1000 inhabitants

2016

Ratio of refugees per 1000 inhabitants

Number	Observation Date
0.76	2016
UNHCR, "Statistical Yearbook 2016", February 2018, www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/5a8ee0387/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2016-16th-edition.html
0.3	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

1,075

Total number of new asylum applications

2016

Total number of new asylum applications

Number	Observation Date
1,075	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
170	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

20

Refugee recognition rate

2014

Refugee recognition rate

Number	Observation Date
20	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

69

Stateless persons

2018

Stateless persons

Number	Observation Date
69	2018
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
85	2017
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
131	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
119	2015
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, "Country information: Statistical snapshot," http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

Domestic Law Expand all

A. LEGAL TRADITION

Legal tradition Show sources

Name	Observation Date
Civil law	2017
World Legal Systems. University of Ottawa. http://www.juriglobe.ca/

B. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Core pieces of national legislation Show sources

Name	Year Adopted	Last Year Amended
Act on Foreigners
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). 2013. "Report to the Icelandic Government on the visit to Iceland carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 18 to 24 September 2012." CPT. Strasbourg. 5 December 2013.

C. GROUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE IMMIGRATION-RELATED DETENTION

D. CRIMINALIZATION OF IMMIGRATION-RELATED OFFENCES

E. LENGTH OF DETENTION

Maximum length for administrative immigration detention in law. Show sources

Number of Days	Observation Date
42	2018
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). 2013. "Report to the Icelandic Government on the visit to Iceland carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 18 to 24 September 2012." CPT. Strasbourg. 5 December 2013.

Maximum length of time in custody prior to issuance of a detention order Show sources

Number of Days	Observation Date
1	2012
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). 2013. "Report to the Icelandic Government on the visit to Iceland carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 18 to 24 September 2012." CPT. Strasbourg. 5 December 2013.

F. PROCEDURAL STANDARDS

Provision of basic procedural standards Show sources

Name	In Law	In Practice	Observation Date
Right to legal counsel		Yes	2012
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). 2013. "Report to the Icelandic Government on the visit to Iceland carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 18 to 24 September 2012." CPT. Strasbourg. 5 December 2013.

G. NON-CUSTODIAL MEASURES (ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION)

Types of non-custodial measures Show sources

Name	In Law	In Practice	Observation Date
Designated non-secure housing	Yes	infrequently	2014
European Commission. 2014. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on EU Return Policy. COM(2014) 199. March 2014. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/immigration/return-readmission/docs/communication_on_return_policy_en.pdf.
Supervised release and/or reporting	Yes	Yes	2014
European Commission. 2014. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on EU Return Policy. COM(2014) 199. March 2014. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/immigration/return-readmission/docs/communication_on_return_policy_en.pdf.
Registration (deposit of documents)	Yes	infrequently	2014
European Commission. 2014. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on EU Return Policy. COM(2014) 199. March 2014. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/immigration/return-readmission/docs/communication_on_return_policy_en.pdf.
Release on bail	No	No	2014
European Commission. 2014. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on EU Return Policy. COM(2014) 199. March 2014. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/immigration/return-readmission/docs/communication_on_return_policy_en.pdf.
Electronic monitoring	No	No	2014
European Commission. 2014. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on EU Return Policy. COM(2014) 199. March 2014. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/immigration/return-readmission/docs/communication_on_return_policy_en.pdf.

H. VULNERABLE PERSONS

I. MANDATORY DETENTION

J. EXPEDITED REMOVAL AND RE-ENTRY BAN

K. COVID-19 UPDATES

International Law Expand all

1. Relevant international treaties and date of ratification

International treaties Show sources

Name	Ratification Year
OPCAT, Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment	2019
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CRPD, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	2016
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CTOCTP, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children	2010
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CAT, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment	1996
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CRC, Convention on the Rights of the Child	1992
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CEDAW, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women	1985
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICCPR, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights	1979
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICESCR, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights	1979
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
VCCR, Vienna Convention on Consular Relations	1978
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
PCRSR, Protocol to the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees	1968
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICERD, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination	1967
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CRSR, Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees	1955
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/

Ratio of relevant international treaties ratified

12/19

International treaty reservations Show sources

Name	Reservation Year	Observation Date
CRC Article 37	2015	2015
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICCPR Article 10	1979	1979
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/

Individual complaints procedure Show sources

Name	Acceptance Year
CEDAW, Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, 1999	2001
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
CAT, declaration under article 22 of the Convention	1987
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICCPR, First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966	1979
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
ICERD, declaration under article 14 of the Convention	1967
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/

Ratio of complaints procedures accepted Show sources

Number	Observation Date
4/5
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/
4/5
United Nations, UN Treaty Collection, http://treaties.un.org/

2. Regional treaties, regulations, and directives

Regional legal instruments Show sources

Name	Year of Ratification (Treaty) / Transposed (Directive) / Adoption (Regulation)
CPCSE, Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse	2012
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/
ECPT, European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment	1990
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/
CATHB, Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings	2012
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/
ECHRP1, Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights (amended by protocol 11)	1953
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/
ECHRP7, Protocol 7 to the European Convention on Human Rights (amended by protocol 11)	1987
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/
ECHR, Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (commonly known as the European Convention on Human Rights	1953
Council of Europe, COE Treaty Office, http://www.conventions.coe.int/

3. Bilateral/Multilateral agreements linked to readmissions

Bilateral/multilateral agreements linked to readmission Show sources

Name	Year in Force	Observation Date
Denmark	1957	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Estonia	1997	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Finland	1957	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Latvia	1997	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Lithuania	1997	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Sweden	1957	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Norway	1957	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Albania	2010	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/
Ukraine	2013	2017
Jean-Pierre Cassarino, "Inventory of the bilateral agreements linked to readmission," http://www.jeanpierrecassarino.com/datasets/ra/

4. Non treaty-based international human rights mechanisms

Relevant recommendations of the UN Universal Periodic Review Show sources

Recomendation Issued	Year Issued	Observation Date
No	2011	2017
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Iceland, A/HRC/19/13, 16 December 2011, https://www.upr-info.org/sites/default/files/document/iceland/session_12_-_october_2011/a_hrc_19_13_iceland_e.pdf
No	2016	2017
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Iceland, A/HRC/34/7, 19 December 2016, https://www.upr-info.org/sites/default/files/document/iceland/session_26_-_november_2016/a_hrc_34_7_en.pdf

Institutions Expand all

A. Governing structures

B. Institutions responsible for immigration detention

C. Detention monitoring institutions

D. Outsourcing and privatisation

E. Expenditures

F. Foreign sources of funding for detention operations

Socio Economic Data Expand all

A. Economics and Development Indicators

Gross Domestic Product per capita (in USD) Show sources

Gross Domestic Product per capita (in USD)	Observation Date
52,004	2014
The World Bank, "GDP Per Capita (current US$) - Jordan," accessed on 26 June 2020, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=JO

Remittances to the country Show sources

Remittances to the country (in millions USD)	Observation Date
216	2014
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

Unemployment Rate Show sources

Unemployment Rate	Observation Date
	2014
The World Bank. Unemployment, total (% of total labor force), 2014

Human Development Index Ranking (UNDP) Show sources

Human Development Index Ranking (UNDP)	UNDP four-tiered ranking	Observation Date
16	Very high	2015
United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Reports, http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2013/%20

B. Attitudes and Perceptions

Country Links

Additional Resources

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