Ministry Sets Regulations For Treatment Of Asylum Seekers

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing has established guidelines for Icelandic municipalities on how to welcome asylum seekers and help them integrate into society.

According to an annoucement made on the ministry’s webpage, the guidelines are not legally binding. Rather, their purpose is to show “how to exercise services and give asylum seekers support, as outlined by international agreements.”

These services and forms of support would include, but not be limited to, “support in the social welfare and education system, and social counciling with support, information and guidelines on their social rights.”

Eygló Harðardóttir, the Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, added a personal statement to the announcement, saying in part, “It is to the benefit of us all that asylum seekers are welcomed and provided with services. In this way, we help ensure that our municipalities’ new residents, who arrive under these conditions. settle in quickly, become active participants and a natural part of our society.”

The guidelines in full, in Icelandic, can be read here (.pdf file).