Key Highlights
- The UK is seeking inspiration from Denmark to overhaul its immigration system.
- Shabana Mahmood, the UK’s Home Secretary, plans to introduce stricter measures modeled after Denmark’s policies.
- Danish rules include tighter family reunification requirements and restrictions on refugees’ temporary stays in the country.
- UK officials visited Copenhagen last month to study Danish immigration practices.
The UK Seeks Inspiration from Denmark’s Immigration Policies
In a move to strengthen its immigration system, the United Kingdom has turned to Denmark for inspiration. This development comes at a time when the British government is facing increasing pressure over its handling of border control and asylum claims.
Shabana Mahmood’s Plans for Reform
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, intends to announce significant changes to the UK’s immigration and asylum policies later this month. Her approach will likely draw on Denmark’s stringent measures, which are seen as one of the most rigorous in Europe.
Stricter Family Reunification Rules
Danish authorities have implemented stricter family reunification rules, making it harder for refugees to bring their spouses and children into the country. For instance, both partners seeking to join a refugee in Denmark must be 24 or older, and they must provide financial guarantees and pass Danish language tests.
Temporary Stays and Expulsions
The Danish system also imposes temporary stays on most refugees, allowing them to reside only provisionally. The government can return individuals once their home countries are deemed safe again. Additionally, Denmark has extended the length of time necessary for refugees to acquire settlement rights.
UK Officials’ Visit to Copenhagen
To gather insights, UK officials recently traveled to Copenhagen to study Danish immigration practices firsthand. Their mission aimed at identifying lessons that could be applied to reforming the UK’s own system. The visit follows Mahmood’s promise to “do whatever it takes” to regain control of Britain’s borders.
Political Backlash and Support
The move towards stricter policies has not gone unnoticed within the Labour Party. While some MPs support the idea, others view Danish-style measures as too harsh. Clive Lewis, a former frontbencher, criticized Denmark’s approach, arguing it aligns with far-right rhetoric.
Comparing UK and Danish Policies
The UK’s current policies face criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the influx of asylum seekers and the perceived unfairness of the system. In contrast, Denmark has succeeded in reducing successful asylum claims to a 40-year low, with only 2020 being an exception amid pandemic travel restrictions.
Challenges and Opportunities
Rasmus Stoklund, Denmark’s Minister for Immigration and Integration, highlighted the challenges his country faces. He emphasized the need for stricter measures to protect societal cohesion, noting that Denmark is a smaller nation with a lower population compared to the UK. However, he also expressed willingness to collaborate with the UK on issues like the European Convention on Human Rights.
Future Implications
The UK’s adoption of Danish-style policies could have significant implications for its immigration landscape. It may lead to stricter controls and a more challenging path for those seeking asylum, potentially reducing migration rates but also risking political backlash from progressive voters. As the UK prepares to make these changes, it remains to be seen how successful they will be in addressing the current challenges.
