In January 2024, the Student Council International Committee conducted a survey on the challenges of students from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) when applying for a work permit in Iceland. The survey yielded 266 responses and has resulted in a reform proposal directed at the Icelandic government. 

As a result, the Student Council calls for changes to the legislation on work permits for students from outside the EEA. 

The call from Student Council (in Icelandic) can be seen here. 

Read the reform proposal in full here. 

Abstract 

The Icelandic government, and in particular the Minister of Justice, Mrs. Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir and the Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, Mr. Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, are encouraged to review the legislation surrounding work permits for students from outside of the European Economic Area.

The right to work should automatically be granted alongside student residence permits. This would vastly improve the quality of life of these students, reduce the workload of the Directorate of Immigration and the Directorate of Labour, contribute to the Icelandic economy and ensure cohesion with other European countries.

This suggestion along with the other reform recommendations below are explained in depth in this proposal. 

Recommendations (in order of priority) 

1. Grant the right to work simultaneously with the granting of a student residence permit. 
2. Allow work permits to be tied to the individual, not to a specific job. 
3. Allow applicants (not their employer) to submit their application for a work permit. 
4. Automatically grant the renewal of a work permit if conditions are unchanged. 
5. Let applications be submitted directly to the Directorate of Labour, not the Directorate of Immigration. 
6. Set a deadline for applications to be forwarded from the Directorate of Immigration to the Directorate of Labour.
7. Create an electronic application portal. 
8. Create FAQs and step-by-step videos about how to apply for a work permit. 
9. Improve communication with applicants (including about delays in processing). 
10.  Ensure that case workers have the knowledge and time to offer correct and polite guidance.