Preparations Underway to Receive Refugees from Ukraine

AFP

Vala Hafstað

“Preparations are underway to receive refugees from Ukraine,” Stefán Vagn Stefánsson, head of the Refugee Committee tells mbl.is . No decision has been made yet regarding how many refugees will be received. “It is clear that Icelandic authorities will do their part and receive people,” Stefán states.

Talks with municipalities are underway regarding finding housing for the refugees. Stefán notes that clearly, many municipalities will take part in the effort.

About a million Ukrainians have fled their country.

About a million Ukrainians have fled their country. AFP

He explains that already, Ukrainians can come to Iceland and stay here with a 90-day tourist visa. Besides, Ukraine is no longer listed as a safe country.

People can come here and apply for international protection, Stefán states, so Ukrainians have already started arriving. He notes that at least a few dozen people have already arrived and applied for protection.

Morgunblaðið reports today that municipalities in Iceland would like to renew their contract with the State regarding a coordinated reception of refugees, but note that increased funding is needed, especially to meet the needs of children and to ensure that their assimilation to society will go well. The municipalities emphasize the need for funds for psychological support due to post traumatic stress disorder, as well as for funds for recreational activities.

The number of children, aged 17 and under, with a refugee status in Reykjavík alone increased from 83 in 2019 to 276 last year. In Hafnarfjörður, Reykjanesbær, Árborg and Akureyri, there are a total of 130 preschool or grade school-aged children with a refugee background.

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