Housing shortage for refugees becomes urgent

The number of Ukrainian refugees continues to rise, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find homes for everyone.

About 20 Ukrainian refugees are in urgent need of a place to stay, and another 15 are due to arrive next month. There are currently no places for them to stay.

“We simply do not have the capacity to house all these people at the moment. This is becoming a serious problem,” says Sigrið Zachariasen, daily manager of Red Cross Faroe Islands.

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“The refugees first move into our refugee centre. They are then rushed off to a temporary home, and then they are asked to move elsewhere. This uncertainty is far from ideal for a refugee.”

There are more than 2,000 unoccupied houses across the country, but they are being used for other purposes, including Airbnb.

“We need a more concerted effort where all the municipalities join in,” says Zachariasen.

Alternative solutions

The Immigration Office says that if the housing shortage for refugees cannot be sorted out at short notice, there are alternative solutions such as hotel rooms.

“This option is being used in other countries, and this should also be possible here if it comes to that,” says Sólva G. Dam, departmental head at the Immigration Office.

Torbjørn Jacobsen, mayor of Runavík and the chairman of the Association or Municipalities, says the situation is unacceptable.

“All modern nations are coping with the influx of refugees, and we have no excuse not to cope with it here in one of the richest societies in the world,” he says.

Embarrassing situation

“When homeowners prioritise Airbnb profits over helping refugees, it’s fair to say that our sense of solidarity could be better.”

He says he will contact the Red Cross and the Immigration Office for immediate talks.

“And I will spread the word across our 29 municipalities that there are people who really need these empty houses. I’m sure we can find a solution to this embarrassing situation.”

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As of yesterday, 149 Ukrainian nationals had been issued temporary residence permits under the new Faroese refugee law since 24 February 2022.

Eleven applications have been rejected, and a few of those who obtained a residence permit have since left the country.

Three temporary residence permits have been issued to Ukrainian nationals through family reunification.

The temporary residence permits are valid until 17 March 2024, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

If you know of any houses that could be used by refugees, please call Red Cross Faroe Islands on 283630.

Read the Faroese versions of this article here and here.

More Faroese News in English.