Provisions of the Asylum Migration Management Regulation and Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation enter into force

The regulation implements partially the EU Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) (EU) 2024/1351 and the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation (EU) 2024/1359 in Iceland, to the extent applicable under the Icelandic Foreign Nationals Act. It sets out how Iceland will determine which country is responsible for examining an application for international protection and how applicants will be transferred to the responsible State. It also establishes procedures for applying temporary measures during a migration crisis or other exceptional circumstances.

The regulation aims to ensure that responsibility for asylum applications is determined in a consistent, efficient and timely manner, while respecting Iceland's legal and international obligations. It also provides a framework for implementing temporary emergency measures when the asylum system is under significant pressure.

The Minister of Justice has overall responsibility for the application of the Regulation. The Directorate of Immigration is responsible for applying the AMMR and the Crisis Regulation, including deciding which country is responsible for an asylum application, communicating with other countries, preparing requests under the Crisis Regulation, and monitoring deadlines. The National Commissioner of Police is responsible for carrying out transfers of applicants to the responsible country, managing the technical operation of the relevant information systems, and implementing measures within its area of responsibility.

The regulation sets out procedural rules for determining responsibility for an asylum application. The procedure begins when an application is registered or when information suggests that another country may be responsible. The Directorate of Immigration, in cooperation with the police, collects the information needed to make this decision, including information on the applicant's identity, travel route, previous residence, and family links. Applicants must be given an opportunity to present their views and must be informed about the procedure. Personal data must be processed in accordance with data protection national legislation.

Applicants are required to cooperate with the authorities by providing accurate information and documents, attending interviews, complying with instructions necessary to determine the responsible country and to carry out a transfer where applicable. If an applicant does not cooperate, this may affect the progress and timing of the procedure, and a decision may be made based on the information already available. Any consequences of non-cooperation must be proportionate and take the applicant's individual circumstances into account.

The regulation requires the authorities to give priority to cases involving family unity and children. In all cases concerning children, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration. Requests between Member States for taking charge of or taking back applicants must be sent within the deadlines set by the AMMR, using electronic communication systems and, where relevant, information from the Eurodac fingerprint database.

The National Commissioner of Police is responsible for transferring applicants to the country responsible for examining their application. Transfers must be carried out in accordance with the rights of applicants under Icelandic law and international obligations.

The regulation also sets out the rules for applying temporary measures during a migration crisis or force majeure. These measures may include longer procedural deadlines or other temporary changes where there is exceptional pressure on the asylum system. The Directorate of Immigration assesses whether the conditions for requesting such measures are met and prepares the request in consultation with the Minister of Justice. Any measures must be temporary, proportionate, and fully respect the rights of applicants.

Finally, the regulation requires close cooperation between the Directorate of Immigration and the National Commissioner of Police to ensure consistent implementation. It entered into force on 1 July 2026.