Spike in Iceland asylum applications

Refugees look to countries such as Iceland in search of …

Refugees look to countries such as Iceland in search of a better life. Photo: Ómar

High numbers of applications have been received in recent days and weeks from refugees seeking asylum in Iceland, according to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

Around twenty applications has been received since Friday, with fourteen arriving on Monday alone. Fourteen is almost the number of applications expected in Iceland in an entire month.

Directorate of Immigration staff are currently processing this latest wave of applications. So far this August, 32 applications have been received – the highest monthly figure ever.

Most asylum seekers applying to Iceland this year are from Alban­ia, followed by FYR Macedon­ia, Syr­ia, Ukraine and Iraq.

This late summer spike, while noteworthy, is however consistent with experience in Iceland and neighbouring countries in recent years. Many refugees cross the Mediterranean into Europe during the summer and go on to apply for asylum throughout the continent.

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