Danish Migration Minister Visits Berlin: A Model for Reforming Asylum Policies
Kaare Dybvad Bek discusses Denmark's restrictive measures on asylum seekers in a meeting with German counterparts.
On May 22, 2025, Danish Migration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek visited Berlin to meet with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, highlighting Denmark's stringent immigration policies as a potential model for Germany.
Dobrindt, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), reiterated the CDU/CSU's commitment made during the recent election campaign to curb illegal migration into Germany, positioning Denmark's experience as a lesson in addressing public concerns related to asylum seekers.
Dybvad Bek's policies have garnered significant public support, reportedly over 80%, for their effectiveness in reducing asylum applications in Denmark.
In 2024, authorities recorded approximately 2,300 asylum requests, a considerable decline from previous years.
This shift has also contributed to a diminishing voter base for far-right parties in Denmark.
Key measures implemented in Denmark include temporary residence permits for refugees, strict limitations on social benefits for asylum seekers, and enhanced identification protocols that have mitigated the use of multiple identities to exploit the welfare system.
Additionally, compliance measures mandate that asylum seekers report regularly to authorities, with noncompliance resulting in placement in deportation facilities.
Notably, the Danish government has introduced legislation allowing law enforcement to confiscate valuables from asylum seekers prior to the distribution of social benefits.
Furthermore, individuals from non-EU countries with an income below 50,000 Euros are denied residence permits.
In contrast, the employment rate among work-capable Ukrainian refugees in Denmark stands at 82%, indicating a more effective integration process compared to Germany, where the employment rate for similar demographics is around 30%.
During the press conference following their meeting, Dobrindt acknowledged the Danish model, stating, "Denmark has demonstrated that a stricter migration policy can reduce societal polarization." Both ministers expressed a shared goal of refining European asylum policies, advocating for the processing of asylum claims outside of the EU to enhance efficiency in the system.
Dybvad Bek remarked on Denmark's supportive stance towards Germany's recent tightening of border controls, stating that the approach reflects mutual understanding rather than criticism.
This visit underscores an ongoing dialogue on migration management between the two nations amid broader European concerns over migration and asylum.
Dobrindt, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), reiterated the CDU/CSU's commitment made during the recent election campaign to curb illegal migration into Germany, positioning Denmark's experience as a lesson in addressing public concerns related to asylum seekers.
Dybvad Bek's policies have garnered significant public support, reportedly over 80%, for their effectiveness in reducing asylum applications in Denmark.
In 2024, authorities recorded approximately 2,300 asylum requests, a considerable decline from previous years.
This shift has also contributed to a diminishing voter base for far-right parties in Denmark.
Key measures implemented in Denmark include temporary residence permits for refugees, strict limitations on social benefits for asylum seekers, and enhanced identification protocols that have mitigated the use of multiple identities to exploit the welfare system.
Additionally, compliance measures mandate that asylum seekers report regularly to authorities, with noncompliance resulting in placement in deportation facilities.
Notably, the Danish government has introduced legislation allowing law enforcement to confiscate valuables from asylum seekers prior to the distribution of social benefits.
Furthermore, individuals from non-EU countries with an income below 50,000 Euros are denied residence permits.
In contrast, the employment rate among work-capable Ukrainian refugees in Denmark stands at 82%, indicating a more effective integration process compared to Germany, where the employment rate for similar demographics is around 30%.
During the press conference following their meeting, Dobrindt acknowledged the Danish model, stating, "Denmark has demonstrated that a stricter migration policy can reduce societal polarization." Both ministers expressed a shared goal of refining European asylum policies, advocating for the processing of asylum claims outside of the EU to enhance efficiency in the system.
Dybvad Bek remarked on Denmark's supportive stance towards Germany's recent tightening of border controls, stating that the approach reflects mutual understanding rather than criticism.
This visit underscores an ongoing dialogue on migration management between the two nations amid broader European concerns over migration and asylum.
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