Karl Gauti demands answers on Syrians’ return

Centre Party MP Karl Gauti Hjaltason says the Icelandic government must explain what it has done to enable Syrians who have received international protection in Iceland to return to Syria, mbl.is reports.

Speaking in Iceland’s parliament on Wednesday, Karl Gauti said it was not enough for the public to feel that the authorities had gained better control of immigration matters. He said there had to be tangible results.

“It is not enough for people to feel that things are getting better. Things actually have to get better,” he said.

Karl Gauti also questioned whether the recent departure of foreigners from Iceland could be attributed to government measures. He said the employment situation might explain why some groups were leaving the country.

Nearly 1,000 Syrians are registered in Iceland, he said, many of them with refugee status and international protection. He referred to steps taken by authorities in several European countries to encourage Syrians to return to their home country.

“What have the Icelandic authorities done to send Syrians who have found shelter here through international protection, or who have applied for such protection, out of the country and back home?” Karl Gauti asked.

He said returning Syrians could reunite with their families and “help rebuild their home country after long-running conflicts”.