The Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market will present the country’s first comprehensive policy on immigrant affairs for 2025–2038. The policy aims to create an inclusive, multicultural society with equal opportunities for immigrants, supported by a four-year action plan and regular progress monitoring.
Photo: Golli.
Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland’s Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, will present a draft policy on Immigrant Affairs for 2025-2038 to parliament this fall.
For the first time, the policy outlines the Icelandic government’s future vision and main objectives regarding immigrant affairs through 2038. The policy was developed in “broad consultation with stakeholders and the public, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of immigrants themselves.”
A total of approximately 550 individuals contributed to the process, and the policy is the outcome of this extensive consultation. It is intended to serve as a guiding framework for the future and strengthen the foundation for decision-making on matters affecting the lives and welfare of immigrants in Iceland. The policy establishes a basis for shared responsibility between both native citizens and immigrants in shaping an inclusive society,
the press release on the government's website notes.
The policy, supported by a four-year action plan (2025-2028), outlines the government’s future vision, key goals, and methods for integrating immigrants into Icelandic society.
The policy envisions Iceland as an inclusive, multicultural society where immigrants have equal opportunities for participation in society and the labour market. It emphasises respect for diversity, access to Icelandic language learning, and support for democratic, equal, and human rights-based values.
Among the key topics discussed in the policy are ensuring immigrants have access to clear information about their rights and obligations in Iceland, improving access to quality Icelandic language education, and fostering an inclusive society where immigrants are encouraged to fully participate in all areas of life.
The policy also outlines several key targets, among them that immigrants should actively participate in elections and society with equal opportunities; that positive public attitudes towards immigrants exist, with understanding of multiculturalism; that immigrant poverty levels should match those of native-born, and employment in public and private sectors should be equitable; that refugees receive strong, early support; that foreign qualifications should be recognized efficiently, and education should meet the needs of diverse backgrounds; that immigrants should have equal access to housing; and that Icelandic language instruction should be accessible and high quality, with standardised evaluations.
Progress will be measured by voter turnout, employment equality, public attitudes, poverty levels, media representation, access to housing, and the quality of Icelandic language instruction. Regular surveys and research will track these indicators to ensure the goals are being met.
I have placed strong emphasis on immigrant issues since I assumed the position of Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, Minister Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson is quoted as saying in the press release. - Now, we are approaching Iceland’s first comprehensive policy on immigrant affairs. This is very important and long overdue.
Read the policy in full here.
Source: New Immigration Policy to Shape Iceland's Future (icelandreview.com)
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