Iceland has clarified that holding a permanent residence permit does not guarantee indefinite stay in the country, as two specific conditions can lead to a foreigner being expelled. The information, published on Iceland's official government website, outlines the circumstances under which foreign nationals with permanent residence status may lose their right to remain in the country.
Two Grounds for Expulsion in Iceland
According to the official website, the first ground for expulsion applies when a foreigner's continued presence is considered a threat to national security or public interest. The website states: "If this is considered necessary on grounds of national security or public interest."
The second ground relates to criminal conduct. Iceland may expel a permanent residence permit holder who has served or been sentenced for an offence that carries a prison term of three years or more under Icelandic law. However, there is a time condition attached to this ground. For offences committed abroad, the conduct must have occurred within the last five years. For offences committed inside Iceland, the conduct must fall within the last year. The website states: "If they have served a sentence or been sentenced for conduct that could result in three years' imprisonment or more according to Icelandic law, and occurred over the last five years abroad or last year in Iceland."
What Iceland Says About Permanent Residents
The official guidance makes a distinction between ordinary foreign nationals and those already holding permanent residence permits, signalling that while such permit holders enjoy more stability than temporary residents, they are not fully exempt from removal proceedings. The full statement on Iceland's website reads: "Foreign nationals holding a permanent residence permit may be expelled, for example, in the following instances."
The use of the phrase "for example" in the official text suggests that the two listed grounds are not necessarily exhaustive, and that other circumstances may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
UAE Names Reasons Foreigners May Be Banned
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the UAE government had revealed the circumstances under which foreigners could face a permanent ban from entering the country. The government identified deliberate repeat violations, fraud, and national security concerns as situations that could lead to a lifetime entry ban.
