Quota Refugees in Iceland from 1956

From the foundation of The Refugee Council 1995 – The Refugee Committee since 2005.

As of 2007 the policy in Iceland is to welcome 25 to 30 quota refugees every year. With exception in the year 1999, the reason being the situation in Kosovo – 77 refugees arrived in the refugee program in Iceland that year. Any decision regarding the reception of quota refugees is made in co-operation with UNHCR.

A close co-operation is between the Ministry of Social Affairs/The Refugee Council, The Icelandic Red Cross  and the municipality which receives refugees each year. An agreement is made between the Ministry of Social Affairs and The Red Cross regarding preparation and assistance during the first year for the refugees. Another agreement is made between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the local authoritiy. The local authorities organize a comprehensive program for the refugees for one year, in cooperation with The Red Cross and The Refugee Committee.