Iceland Moves to Strip Criminals of Citizenship Amid Rising Crime Rates

The Icelandic government is considering a new bill that would allow revoking citizenship from individuals convicted of serious crimes punishable by up to 16 years in prison.

What Does the Bill Propose?

A group of five politicians from the Independence Party has submitted a bill aimed at tightening the rules for acquiring and retaining Icelandic citizenship. The proposal comes from Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir, Vilhjálmur Árnason, Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, Jón Gunnarsson, and Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson.

Key provisions of the bill include:
- Individuals convicted of serious crimes carrying sentences of up to 16 years could lose their Icelandic citizenship.
- Those who provided false information during their citizenship application process may also have their citizenship revoked.
- However, people who risk becoming stateless will not be affected.

Why Is This Measure Being Considered?

Although Iceland is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, crime rates have been increasing in recent years. Lawmakers argue that organized crime groups linked to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal immigration networks are becoming more active in the country.

"Criminal activity has become entrenched in society, and criminal groups linked to certain ethnic communities from the Middle East and Southeast Europe are operating here," said MP Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir.

Following the Nordic Trend

Iceland is not the only country considering such measures. In neighboring Finland, authorities have proposed tightening citizenship requirements, placing a stronger emphasis on criminal background checks for applicants.

Similar discussions are ongoing in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, where governments are debating stricter security policies in response to rising organized crime.

If passed, the law would allow the Commissioner of National Police to propose revoking an individual’s citizenship if their continued presence in Iceland is deemed a public threat and they have an ongoing criminal record.

The bill is expected to spark intense debate, as it raises critical issues concerning human rights, citizenship status, and the state’s responsibility to its nationals.