Denmark’s Conservative party has proposed to tighten work permit rules for people from Muslim countries planning to go to Denmark for work purposes.
According to the party, such measures would help the country to enhance national security, Schengen.News reports.
As the Local explained, Denmark’s Conservative Party wants to make the process stricter for internationals from “Menapt” countries (the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Türkiye).
There’s been a lack of recognition that those who arrive here as much-needed labour can end up becoming an integration challenge.
He said that it should be acknowledged that what may be in the short-term interest of business is not necessarily in the long-term interest of Denmark.
However, the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri, DI) shares a different opinion.
According to a report from the Local, the largest business and employers’ organisation in Denmark shares a different opinion.
As long as internationals come and work on the Danish labour market, we are all for it. We don’t see a need to restrict any labour. As long as it is labour, as long as internationals come here to work, we value them no matter where they’re from.
Conservative Party’s Plan Would Affect Many Countries
MENAPT countries consist of the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Türkiye, which means that if the Conservative party’s plan moves forward, nationals from the following countries would be affected:
Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Israel, Palestine
North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Sudan
Pakistan
Türkiye
Under the existing rules, people from countries outside the European Union can get permission to live and work in Denmark if they are offered a job that meets the minimum salary threshold. These rules apply to all non-EU countries, apart from exceptions from the EU freedom of movement.
It is still not clear if Denmark’s Conservative proposal will gain enough support in parliament. However, the Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, previously said that the immigration numbers are important and that the number of foreign workers in Denmark should be limited, according to the Local.
Of course, it’s positive that people want to contribute to Denmark, but when it comes to foreign labour, numbers matter, especially those from North Africa and the Middle East.
Authorities in Denmark have tightened rules for foreign students from third countries who want to access the Danish labour market, after reports of misuse of student residence permits for work permits.