An Italian man who was stopped on his way to the US for not having a return ticket is now stuck in Iceland, and is asking for help.
On September 12, Salvatore Qvero was travelling from Austria to Boston when his flight stopped over in Iceland. As he did not have a return ticket from the US back home, he was denied boarding the plane, and has since then been stuck in Iceland.
“I have to sleep on the street,” he told DV. “I am broke, unemployed, and have no family.” He says he has been able to stay at the Salvation Army and is looking for work, but to no avail, as he has no kennitala. He has applied for one, but is still waiting for approval.
The Italian embassy put him up in a hotel for three days and has offered to try and find him work in Iceland. As an EU citizen, Salvatore could have it much easier when it comes to finding work than someone from outside the EU, but he says the embassy has yet to call him with any news.
When asked what he most wants, Salvatore’s answer was clear: “I don’t accept money, I have my honour to defend. I want to work. I like Iceland, but look – I have nothing. No one wants to hire me. I’m homeless.”
Salvatore hopes to be able to somehow get to Stockholm or London, as he has friends in both cities. But in order to get there, he needs to work to save money. As it is, winter approaches, and he worries more every day about the prospect of sleeping on the streets during the colder months.
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