Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Bjarni Benediktsson called for increased border control and police powers in response to a Palestinian protest encampment outside the nation’s parliament building.
In a Friday Facebook post, Benediktsson deemed the tent city at Austurvöllur Square “incomprehensible” and “a disaster,” demanding its removal.
The protesters first erected tents on December 27th, urging Icelandic authorities to reunify separated families from Gaza and halt deportations.
Palestinian Flags Fly as Minister Objects
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that the city of Reykjavík has allowed the camp on this holy site between the statue of Jón Sigurðsson and Alþingi,” wrote Benediktsson.
“The group flies multiple Palestine flags and attaches them to lampposts and tents. No one should be allowed to fly any national flag for weeks outside of Iceland’s Alþingi to protest Icelandic authorities.”
On January 18th, the city extended the group’s permit to remain in the square, drawing Benediktsson’s sharp criticism.
He claimed the demonstration disrespects typical protests held before the renowned statue and parliament building.
The independence leader Jón Sigurðsson championed Iceland’s autonomy from Denmark during the 1800s.
Authorities Seek Expanded Powers
In addition to demanding the encampment's removal, Benediktsson urged policy changes limiting asylum applications, which he stated overwhelm Iceland relative to its Nordic neighbors.
“The next thing that needs to happen is to tighten regulations about asylum seekers and harmonise them with what our neighbouring countries have in place,” wrote the foreign minister.
He specifically proposed heightened border enforcement, writing, “The current arrangement has gone out of control, both with regards to costs and the number of applications.”
Benediktsson also criticized parliament for recently rejecting proposed reforms from the justice minister, arguing additional police powers are needed to address international crime.
Most Applicants from Ukraine, Venezuela
According to reports, 223 Palestinians petitioned for asylum in Iceland last year.
However, around 80% of total applicants originated from only two nations: Ukraine and Venezuela.
Under the current government, asylum grants surged among citizens fleeing violence or instability in those countries.
From 2018 to 2021, Icelandic authorities approved nearly all Venezuelan cases, classifying conditions there as exceedingly unsafe.
The ongoing war has likewise led Ukraine asylum seekers to receive refugee status since Russia’s invasion began.
ETIAS Visas Unaffected, For Now
The foreign minister’s demands come a year before the ETIAS visa waiver system takes effect for many EU citizens visiting Iceland and most other Schengen countries.
Set to launch in May 2025, the ETIAS aims to enhance security and border control through pre-travel screening.
Whether refugee debates spur later changes is unclear.
For now, EU family and work visa applicants seem unaffected by debates over Palestinian asylum cases.
The number from those nations remains very small.
However, some investors and digital nomads seeking Icelandic residence permits could face more scrutiny if authorities expand screening.
Tighter Borders Across Europe?
As one of Europe’s more open countries toward asylum seekers, the foreign minister’s stance suggests ripple effects across the continent.
If Icelandic policies grow more restrictive, similar European nations may follow suit amid recent economic and migration pressures.
Tighter border control could hamper EU unity on immigration issues post-pandemic.
However, some states with right-leaning governments may seize on the rhetoric to reduce refugee acceptance, limit work visas, or require more ETIAS paperwork from visitors.
Iceland’s future policies will fuel debates.
A Path Forward
As the Palestinian protest continues outside Iceland’s parliament, the resulting political debate shows no signs of quick resolution.
Foreign Minister Benediktsson demanded stricter asylum laws and expanded police powers, which parliament recently rejected.
With tensions escalating, all sides must work to find common ground.
Rather than threats of deportation or detention, the government could offer good-faith negotiations to understand the protesters’ perspectives.
Iceland may pride itself on fair asylum practices, but there is always room for progress by hearing marginalized voices.
Cooler heads must prevail to find a just outcome.