Legal information and advice for immigrants

Organizer /service provider

Icelandic Human Rights Centre (ICEHR)

Summary

Information on the Icelandic legal system and individuals’ rights and obligations regarding residence, work permits, Icelandic citizenship, recognition and evaluation of education, divorce, child custody, visitation rights, work related issues, housing market, domestic violence, human trafficking etc.

Target group

People of foreign origin, immigrants, migrants and refugees in need of legal advice and information.

Description of activity and expected results and effects

ICEHR is open for legal advice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is necessary to book appointments in advance and state whether interpretation is needed, which is then provided free of charge. 

The services are intended for the whole country, so telephone or online appointments are also available. ICEHR also provides legal advice in Bjarkarhlíð as well as in Sigurhæðir, Bjarmahlíð and Suðurhlíð, all reception centres for victims of violence.

Theory and knowledge

For people migrating to a new country, it is necessary to have insight into that country’s legal system and to know their rights and obligations, not least to prevent exploitation. Therefore, the option of a personal interview with an interpreter, if needed, regarding a specific issue is an important and necessary addition to the general information available online, in booklets, videos and by other means. 

The issue the interviewee is facing is often specific and detailed information is needed to provide accurate advice and information and to make administrative complaints and appeal procedures accessible to the individual.

Competences

ICEHR uses their extensive experience of providing legal advice to immigrants, training in cultural sensitivity and involvement in and close contact with organisations working on immigrant issues. Those involved in the project are also legal advisers working for the Centre and trained by more experienced advisers.

Economy

The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. The costs include housing, telephone, interpretation, fees for legal advisors and travel costs.

Assessments of providers and views of participants

The advice and information sought often concerns areas of vital importance to the interviewee. The option of receiving information in their own language adds to their understanding and prevents misconceptions. Countless service users have expressed their satisfaction with being able to get specific information, clarifications and explanations.

ICEHR constantly receives positive feedback from those seeking legal advice and information.

Evaluation, studies and monitoring

No formal evaluation has been carried out. ICEHR reports yearly to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour on the number of interviews provided and demographic data.

Learnings and dissemination, implementation

This initiative should be easy to implement and adapt to the situation in the other Nordic countries. It could also be upscaled and provided by municipalities or institutions. 

The main thing is to have experienced people leading the initiative, with knowledge on the law, immigrant issues, as well as labour and housing market issues and various forms of exploitation. 

ICEHR also finds that it is important for advisers to maintain a flexible, culturally sensitive and welcoming approach with an emphasis on empowering the service user to manage their situation and be able to make informed decisions. No guidelines have been issued on how to carry out the initiative.

Read more and contact information

info@humanrights.is

Legal Counselling for Immigrants | Icelandic Human Rights Centre

This text was published 26.11.2024