Record-breaking Rates Of Border Expulsions

In 2024, the Suðurnes Police have expelled 752 passengers at the Icelandic border in Keflavík Airport. The police district calls for stronger border controls. This is reported in a recent publication by the police.

Among the issues the police district highlights is that passenger traffic companies, such as airlines, are obliged to submit a list of passengers. This has not been enforced since Iceland’s entry into the Schengen Agreement in 2001. As of today, approximately 7% of passengers coming to Iceland arrive from Schengen’s internal borders, the report claims.

Earlier in November, Judicial Minister and Independence Party MP Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir outlined the government’s new policy in border control.

The document’s summary include three actionable plans: strengthening a comprehensive border control around the country with updated equipment and employment; increased efforts to tackle organised crime through international cooperation; and the establishment of an analysis centre in Keflavik airport for asylum seekers.