The Netherlands and Norway look to Danish immigration policy for inspiration
The Netherlands and Norway have considered adopting some of Denmark’s strict immigration legislation. The Dutch have adopted some of Denmark’s rules with regard to family reunification, while Norway has considered using other parts of the Danish model, professor Ulf Hedetoft of Aalborg University told Denmark’s public radio station.
Norwegian politicians are considering adopting Danish legislation that requires Danes to have DKK 50,000 (EUR 6,600) in their bank account before receiving visitors that need a visa. If the visitor seeks asylum, the money is absorbed by the state.
‘It’s not unusual for Norwegian politicians to look to Denmark’s immigration policy for inspiration,’ said Hedetoft.
In addition, the Netherlands have created an age limit of 21-years for people to bring their spouses to the country, while Denmark has a 24-year minimum and a requirement that both parties have a connection to Denmark. In addition, the Netherlands considered expelling immigrants who engage in criminal activity.
The Dutch Minister of Integration Rita Verdonk has visitied Denmark to gather ideas.
‘I consider Denmark to be quite progressive with regard to foreigners and integration policy,’ Verdonk said.
According to Hedetoft, the Netherlands have studied Denmark because restrictions have led to the reunification of fewer families.
The tendency to copy Denmark’s legislation concerns Birgitte Kofoed Olsen of the Institute for Human Rights.
‘Human rights can be violated as a consequence of following the legislation we have in Denmark. People are put in a situation in which their right to raising a family is restricted,’ said Olsen.
http://www.cphpost.dk/get/86597.html
Bookmarks