Denmark passes controversial migrant law

The Danish parliament has passed a package of measures aimed at deferring refugees from seeking asylum.

The measures, which were the subject of protests from international human rights organisations, include confiscating refugees' valuables to pay for their stay.

The measures were passed by 81 of the 109 politicians present, with the main centre-left opposition party, the Social Democrats, voting in favour of the proposals.

• The measures, which also include delaying family reunification to three years, are the latest sign that the Nordic welcome for refugees is waning as large numbers flee war in Africa and Middle East in what is becoming Europe's biggest migrant crisis in decades.

The "jewellery bill" is the latest attempt by Denmark's seven-month-old minority centre-right government to curb immigration to a country that took in a record 20,000 refugees last year.         

Under the bill, refugees could keep possessions amounting to 10,000 Danish crowns (€1,338), raised from 3,000 crowns (€402) after criticism from human rights organisations.

Valuables of special emotional value, such as wedding rings, will be exempt.

The Liberals government has just 34 out of 179 seats in parliament and depends on support of rightist parties, including the anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), to pass laws.

A poll showing 70% of voters see it as the most important issue, according to the daily paper Berlingske...
 rte.ie
26/1/16
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