Iceland - Immigrant laws and conclusion

Immigrant laws and rights in Iceland

Immigrant laws in Iceland • What do the immigrant laws in Iceland consist of?

• Promoting the welfare of immigrants in the country.

• Educating the public on issues concerning immigrants and immigration.

• Dismantling discriminative ideas about immigrants.

• Operating a multicultural center.

• Operating a development fund for immigrants.

• Operating establishments that take care of issues concerning immigrants.

• The evaluation of the position of immigrants in society.

The Immigrant Council • The role of The Immigrant Council is • Consulting regarding issues concerning immigrants.

• Ensuring the co-ordination and co-operation of each element of the state.

• Promoting open discussion on immigrant issues.

• Making a proposal of an annual budget plan for The Development Fund for Immigrants.

• Making a proposal regarding subsidies from The Development Fund for Immigrants.

• Reporting annual progress of The Immigrant Council.

• Working on other projects regarding immigrants.

The Directorate of Immigration • The Directorate of Immigration is a part of the executive branch of government, being under the authority of the Ministry of Justice.

• The Directorate of Immigration is responsible for issuing all residence permits for foreigners.

• Foreigners can apply for a residence permits for example on the basis of international protection, studying and employment.

• The Directorate works with many other institutions in Iceland such as the Ministry of Justice, the police, the Red Cross and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our Conclusion and Recommendations • Integration must be effective and fair – it benefits both the newcomers and the locals.

• The rights of immigrants need to be made known to them.

• It is important for newcomers to know their rights.

• Peolpe in the community need to open up and take an active part in welcoming newcomers.

• Lack of communication causes isolation, therefore it is very important to learn the national language.

• Immigrants need to feel like they belong.

• It is important for newcomers to learn about traditions and culture – therefore it is important to involve them in events that have to do with food and culture.

Social inclusion

what can we as a community do to speed up social inclusion?

• Don‘t think ‘us’ and ‘them,’ immigrants need to feel that they belong • Talk to our immigrant neighbors – use simple words or even sign language • Smile and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself • Involve the newcomers in events that have to do with food and culture • Help them to get in contact with institutions, services, banks, sport activities etc.

• Tell them about cultural traditions in the new community to help them adjust • Get the libraries involved