One-stop-shop for expatriates

A new report from the Icelandic National Audit Office (INAO) on the issues surrounding foreign expatriates in Iceland urges the Ministry of Home Affairs to complete its review of the relevant legislation as soon as possible.

Two ministries currently involved

One of the report’s specific recommendations is to bring the entire range of issues under one ministry and to simplify the institutional set-up. As things stand, the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for foreign residents while issues surrounding immigrants, refugees and expatriate employment fall under the purview of the Ministry of Welfare.

Complicated and time-consuming

“The INAO see several drawbacks to this split. For instance, the issuance of residence and work permits is more complicated and time-consuming than it needs to be, as the process often involves bodies from both ministries, i.e. the Directorate of Immigration, Registers Iceland and the Directorate of Labour,” reads the INAO text.

A money-saver for the State?

“The State currently incurs costs which could be saved by simplifying administration. We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to complete its comprehensive review of the relevant legislation as soon as possible. It should look into the possibility of bringing the entire range of issues under one ministry and simplifying the institutional set-up,” the INAO continues.