The social affairs ministry announces the need for municipalities willing to receive refugees. The federal government provides financial grants to those municipalities, while the Red Cross and the Refugee Council within the Social Affairs Ministry develops individualized adjustment programs for the refugees. Generally, each refugee or family is matched with three local families who act as sponsors and introduce the refugees to Icelandic language and culture. Refugees are immediately granted work permits and are assisted in finding jobs. During the first year, refugees receive subsidized housing, vocational training, and Icelandic language lessons.
Refugees have access to the same medical care and educational institutions as Icelandic nationals.
Asylum Procedure Iceland has acceded to the UN Refugee Convention. Although no national refugee legislation exists, Iceland has procedures for granting asylum under the 1965 Aliens Law. The Directorate of Immigration is responsible for processing asylum claims. Police and customs officials monitor the borders and control entry to the country. Under Icelandic law, border officials must consult the directorate before denying entry to individuals arriving without valid visas or passports.