Minister of Social Affairs Magnús Stefánsson announced yesterday a development fund for immigration will be founded. Additionally the operations of the Intercultural Center in Reykjavík and Ísafjördur will be supported.
Stefánsson made the announcement at a meeting with the inhabitants of Ísafjördur, the capital of the Westfjords, which is part of an international congress on immigrant issues.
The minister also said experimental projects on the adjustment of immigrants are to be launched in Bolungarvík in the Westfjords and Fjardarbyggd in the Eastfjords, Morgunbladid reports.
“We know some of the immigrants are here to stay and some are here only temporarily,” Stefánsson said. “In Fjardarbyggd there is a special situation because of all the construction projects and the local authorities want to handle the situation well. We want to support them in that.”
“Immigrant issues are something they want to work on and I have noticed recently that local authorities have increasingly discussed these issues in their communities,” the minister added.
Stefánsson explained the Immigration Council in cooperation with the University Center of the West Fjords would create regulations about the development fund, be responsible for applications and distributing grants worth up to ISK 10 million (USD 151,000, EUR 113,000) in total each year.
Local authorities and unions will be able to apply for grants for special projects.
An information officer will be hired at the Intercultural Center in Ísafjördur and the consultation and legal service at the Intercultural Center in Reykjavík will receive increased support.
