Possible Victim of Human Trafficking Reflection Permit

IcelandHumanitarian protection

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

This is a special residence permit for possible victims of human trafficking, also called a "period of reflection" permit, giving time to reflect on their situation, recover and escape the traffickers. It is granted regardless of any police investigation, for up to 9 months, and cannot be renewed.

See recorded sources

https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
there is a special residence permit for possible victims of human trafficking.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The permit is also called a "period of reflection" permit
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The permit is intended to help you break free from your circumstances, get back on your feet and escape the influence of the traffickers.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The granting of the permit is independent of whether a police investigation is conducted into the trafficking.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The permit may be granted for up to 9 months but it cannot be renewed.

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

It covers people in a situation that could be considered human trafficking (possible victims), including people already holding an employment-based permit who suspect they are victims.

See recorded sources

https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
because it gives people, who are in a situation that could be considered trafficking
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking/permit-to-work-in-iceland
If you already have a residence permit in Iceland on the basis of employment and suspect that you are a victim of human trafficking

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

The application can be made in writing or orally, with no fee. It can go directly to the Directorate of Immigration, or through the police or agencies such as Bjarkarhlíð, or within the written statement of the legal representative of an international-protection applicant.

See recorded sources

https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
It can be done both in writing and orally. There is no fee for the application.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The application can be submitted directly to the Directorate of Immigration, but it can also be submitted by other means, for example to the police or other agencies, such as Bjarkarhlíð, which provide services or assistance to possible victims of human trafficking. Such an application can also be submitted as part of the written statement of the legal representative of an applicant for international protection.

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

While the application is processed the applicant is not deported. The Directorate asks the police for comment, but police awareness or an investigation is not a condition. Applicants submit any documents they hold. Once granted, the holder can apply for a temporary work permit due to special circumstances.

See recorded sources

https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
While an application for such a permit is being processed, the applicant is not deported from the country.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
The Directorate of Immigration seeks a comment of the police on the applications received. However, it is not a condition for granting the residence permit that the police are aware of the case of the applicant or consider it necessary to initiate a special investigation.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
An applicant is requested to submit all the documents that he or she has in their possession that could support the application.
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking/permit-to-work-in-iceland
If you have been granted a residence permit on the basis of being a possible victim of human trafficking, you can apply for a

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

The official help channels are the Directorate of Immigration, Bjarkarhlíð (centre for victims of violence), the police via 112 (call or web chat) and the Icelandic Human Rights Centre.

See recorded sources

https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
If you think you may be a victim of human trafficking, we encourage you to seek information and assistance from the Directorate of Immigration, Bjarkarhlíð or 112
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
- Call 112 or use Webchat
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
- Center for victims of violence
https://island.is/en/residence-permits-for-possible-victims-of-human-trafficking
Icelandic Human Rights Centre

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Possible Victim of Human Trafficking Reflection Permit

What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.