Authorities in Iceland have presented several ideas as part of efforts to increase the number of high-level international specialist workers in the country.
According to a statement published by Cooperate Immigration Partners, Iceland’s government is attempting to increase the number of citizens from the non-European Economic Area (EEA) that are highly qualified, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Among the new measures presented are the following:
- Introducing an informal portal for all foreign citizens specialists as well as their family members and employers in order to give them access to documents and information regarding relocating and living in Iceland
- Introduce effective measures for processing all the needed documents and issuing permits
- Expanding access to Icelandic learning as well as work permits for all spouses and dependent measures
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in Iceland, Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, recently hosted a workshop during which there were discussed the opportunities for the improvement of work permits for foreign citizens specialists in the country.
Previously, the same Ministry, together with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, discussed the challenges that the country is facing while unfolding several proposals to ease the process of hiring foreign specialists from countries outside the EEA under the objectives set by the government.
“Successful facilitation of access to specialised knowledge brings about a higher level of innovation, economic growth, increased number of jobs, and the opportunity to increase revenue from exports,” Minister Sigurbjörnsdóttir pointed out in this regard.
The workshop held previously also attended specialists from other countries as well as stakeholders, also taking into account specialists from businesses as well as start-ups of all shapes, international students, and HR managers.
The main purpose of the workshop was to discuss offering new opportunities to international specialists.
The same revealed that international specialists in this country are mainly satisfied with the healthcare system in Iceland, access to education and childcare, as well as tax incentives.
“The workshop produced a clear vision and prioritisation for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. With insight into the needs and requirements of specialists the opportunity to proceed with the relevant offices and ministries in mapping out and acting on plans to facilitate the arrival of international specialists in Iceland,” the statement reads.
In addition, participants also brought into focus the need for a system needed for processing all required documentation and permits while emphasizing that the Icelandic language is also needed in order to make the country an attractive place for international students and specialists.
SOURCE: Schengen Visa Info
