Immigrants In Iceland Increasing

The number of immigrants in Iceland is on the rise, reports Vísir.

Foreign citizens increased by 1,298 individuals from 2013 to 2014, which is more than double the increase from 2012 to 2013.

These are the results from a report made by the Multicultural and Information Centre. According to the centre’s special advisor Rúnar Helgi Haraldsson, the number of male immigrants decreased after the financial crash but is now increasing again.

Rúnar believes the fluctuations are due to labour market demand, as foreign work force was in demand, particularly in traditional male jobs before the crash, such as the construction industry.

After the crash, the number of immigrants decreased with less demand for this kind of work force. “We know that people’s immigration to Iceland is mainly driven by the labour market,” Rúnar told Vísir.

In the beginning of 2014, there were 22.74 foreign citizens in Iceland, 11.654 males and 11.090 females. In addition, there are 8,235 second generation immigrants. Most immigrants come from Poland or 45%.

Immigrants amount to 9,5% of the Icelandic population.