Yesterday afternoon, 192 people of various nationalities had applied for asylum in Iceland since the beginning of the year. That represents an 85 percent increase compared with the same period last year, mbl.is reports.
In related news, Alþjóðasetur Íslands, a translating and interpretation service, has made signs in Arabic, mbl.is reports, which it shares on its Facebook page, welcoming asylum seekers with these words, “We want you to become part of Icelandic society,” and “Welcome to your new home country.” People are encouraged to use the signs, or print them out, to show refugees support. A third sign asks people not to hesitate to seek assistance, and yet another tells them, “Welcome to Iceland.”
