Policy on Immigrants and Refugees

Teikning af upplýstum fartölvuskjá.

Reykjavík City Council adopted a comprehensive policy on the issues of immigrants, refugees, and applicants for international protection on April 10, 2018.

The Policy is working towards the objectives of the project Intercultural Cities, of which Reykjavík has been a member since 2014.

Strategy and action plan Brochure

Reykjavík City policy

  • The policy and action plan are based on the Act on Immigration, No. 116/2002, the Act on Foreigners, No. 80/2016, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Status of Refugees, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
  • Reykjavík City's four-part role, as outlined in the human rights policy, serves as the foundation for the work of the steering group. Meaning the City of Reykjavík as a governing body, employer, service center, and partner and client. The Policy on Immigrants and Refugees covers these four areas, as well as measures to support the implementation of the policy.

Reykjavík City role

Reykjavík City as a governing body

  • All Reykjavík residents are entitled to fair and just treatment regardless of their origin.
  • The views of stakeholders and experts are sought in policy making and decision making.
  • When formulating policies, it is always kept in mind and taken into account that some residents do not speak Icelandic or have a good knowledge of the City's administration and services.
  • Reykjavík City promotes increased participation of immigrants in democratic decision-making in general and works to inform residents of their voting rights in municipal elections.
  • Reykjavík City also specifically promotes increased participation of immigrants in City matters, such as in municipal elections, resident elections, resident meetings, school collaboration, and when ideas and feedback from residents are requested.

Reykjavík City as an employer

  • As an employer, the Reykjavík City emphasizes creating a good working environment where employees feel good, have the opportunity to use their skills, and can grow in their jobs.
  • Workplace leaders lead in shaping professional work practices and cultural sensitivity in interactions.
  • Through training and education, employees are better prepared to serve immigrants, and special emphasis is placed on utilizing the knowledge and experience of immigrants in the workforce.
  • Immigrants receive support to increase their knowledge with the aim of advancing in their jobs.
  • To serve a multicultural society, Reykjavík City employs people of different origins among its staff.
  • The knowledge and education of immigrants are valued.
  • People with diverse language skills are hired, and immigrants work in various positions for the City, including influential positions.

Reykjavík City as a service center

  • Staff should follow Reykjavík City’s Service Policy in their daily duties.
  • This includes providing a welcoming and respectful environment for customers and not dismissing any issues.
  • The staff is dedicated to providing quality service and information and working with other staff to address customer issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Immigrants have guaranteed access to the city's services.
  • When organizing city services, the needs of different groups, including immigrants, are taken into account.
  • Interpretation services are provided during interviews, and a coordinated policy on interpretation services is developed.
  • Reykjavík City supports increased legal security and equality for immigrants in connection with city services and provides them with opportunities to voice their opinions.
  • In this regard, knowledge of the role and service of the ombudsman for city residents is strengthened, as well as knowledge about the options city residents have to appeal Reykjavík City’s decision and request reopening closed cases.
  • Immigrants often turn to the City for matters not related to municipal activities.
  • People should never be turned away because their inquiry does not fall under the City's jurisdiction.
  • In such cases, staff should comply with their guidance obligations under the Act on Administrative Procedures and provide guidance on resolving the issue.
  • Special emphasis is placed on immigrant children to ensure they and their parents receive the support they need in school and recreational activities.
  • It is important to increase the number of students with a second language other than Icelandic who meet the educational objectives at the end of primary school.
  • It must be kept in mind that refugees often face complex challenges for longer or shorter periods of time.
  • The services provided by Reykjavík City, such as at service centers, in front-line services, and in school and recreational activities, must take into account the needs of refugees.
  • The service for applicants for international protection is particularly challenging, and it is essential to build knowledge and experience within service centers and in school and recreational activities on this topic.
  • Special attention must be paid to the needs of children and families among refugees and international protection applicants.

Reykjavík City as a partner and client

  • Reykjavík City is committed to promoting respect for human rights and meeting the needs of immigrants in all its partnerships.
  • We put human rights at the forefront of our procurement practices and require vendors to respect human rights and other rights.
  • Reykjavík City Council should take the lead in working together with state ministries, government bodies, and local authorities to discuss cooperation and collaboration in areas related to services for immigrants.
  • The Mayor's Office should initiate discussions with the government, and then departments and offices will work on the issues belonging to them.
  • The activities of the State and local governments, especially Reykjavík City, often intersect in providing services to immigrants and supporting those who provide these services.
  • It is important for Reykjavík City, the Icelandic Association of Local Authorities, and the relevant government agencies to engage in dialogue and cooperation of these three parties in matters related to services for applicants for international protection, coordination of services for different groups of refugees, general information for immigrants, Icelandic language instruction, and social studies for immigrants, support for Icelandic and mother tongue instruction for bilingual and multilingual children, and the opening of information centers for immigrants in the capital area.
  • The activities of non-governmental organizations are important for city residents and the formation of city culture, and grassroots initiatives must be fostered. City housing should be more accessible to organizations, including those representing immigrants.
  • This way, Reykjavík City supports important activities and creates a platform for participation and interaction.