Icelandic MP criticizes deportation of Venezuelan asylum seekers amid concerns over safety

A member of the Icelandic Parliament and the Education and Culture Committee has voiced concern over the situation of Venezuelan asylum seekers facing deportation from Iceland. Dagbjört Hákonardóttir, representing the Samfylking party, emphasized that the expectations of Venezuelans regarding their right to stay in Iceland, whether temporarily or permanently, are valid. She holds the Independence Party responsible for managing the process surrounding Venezuelan applications for additional protection, which was initially granted in 2018 to a limited group.

Hákonardóttir criticized the government’s recent decision to retract this additional protection as unclear and problematic. She points out the importance of accountability from the Independence Party, which has overseen the Ministry of Justice for several years.

This week, 40 to 50 Venezuelan asylum seekers were deported on a scheduled flight. An official from the Directorate of Immigration noted that the political unrest in Venezuela following Nicolas Maduro’s recent election does not qualify these individuals for international protection in Iceland.

Many Venezuelans living in Iceland express significant fear regarding the threats from President Maduro against dissent and worry for their safety if returned to their home country. Some are reluctant to come forward due to fears of government repercussions.

Hákonardóttir is optimistic that the ongoing situation in Venezuela will be discussed in the upcoming legislative session. She plans to seek information from the Directorate of Immigration on whether recent elections impact the deportation processes and if policy changes are warranted to better address the escalating humanitarian crisis.