Employed foreign nationals 9,010 in 2005 or 5.5% of all employed
The number of employed foreign nationals increased in the Icelandic labour market in the years 1998 to 2005. In 1998 they were on average 3,400 but in 2005 they were 9,010. In the period 1998 to 2005 the number of employed foreign nationals had increased by 5,610 persons. Employed foreign nationals were 2.3% of all employed in 1998 and 5.5% in 2005.

In the year 2005 the number of men was 5,350 and the number of women was 3,650.

Construction workers in the eastern part of the country
In the year 2005 the number of employed foreign nationals was 4,420 in the capital region and 4,340 in other regions. Outside the capital region the highest number of foreign nationals worked in the eastern part of the country or 1,790.

Of all employed persons in the year 2005 72% worked in services, 23% in industry and 5% in agriculture and fishing. Of employed foreign nationals 48% worked in services, 47% worked in industry and 5% in agriculture and fishing.

Construction workers in the eastern part of Iceland
Within the industries 1,890 foreign nationals worked in constructions in 2005. In 1998 they were only 120. Because of construction work in the eastern part of the country (Power projects and aluminium plant construction) 1,170 foreign nationals worked in constructions in the area.

Employed foreign nationals 1998–2005 - Statistical Series