Danish government to further tighten the screws on foreigners over benefits

Once again a measure aimed at hitting immigrants could end up penalising Danes who have lived abroad – and it might be illegal

A bill proposed by the government and Dansk Folkeparti will change the criteria for how long a person has to have lived in Denmark in order to claim unemployment or maternity benefits if they come from countries outside the EU.

The law change may also be illegal under EU law. Even the government’s own lawyers have warned that if it came to a court case, the law might be interpreted as a breach of an EU convention that prohibits discrimination.

READ ALSO: Internal documents show government plans to reduce benefits for immigrants

By taking away the rights of sick people and young parents to benefits, the government might be breaching human rights laws, reports Politiken.

Danes abroad
Under the proposed new law, in order to earn the right to benefits, a person has to have lived in an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country for seven out of the last eight years.

This would hit a Danish A-Kasse member who has lived or worked in countries such as the US, Australia or China already from the beginning of next year, and they would lose benefits that they have paid for.

Figures from Politiken have revealed that around 1,400 Danish citizens who have lived or worked abroad who today would be entitled to receive sickness or maternity benefits would be hit over the next five years.

The bill is part of the budget agreement with Dansk Folkeparti and is estimated to save around 50 billion kroner per year.

Less of them anyway
In any event, according to figures collected by the A-Kasse union insurance funds, immigrant numbers from outside the EU are falling anyway, reports DR Nyheder.

Figures for the number of foreigners from outside the EU on unemployment benefits have fallen by over 33 percent since 2010. Data from the labour market and recruitment agency Jobindsats.dk’s database shows that numbers are down by 36 percent since 2010.

In the same period, the number of EU citizens receiving Danish unemployment benefit has more than doubled.

An own goal
The unions also fear that more than 20,000 people could end up opting out of A-Kasse because they are afraid of losing the right to benefits as a consequence of the new law.

READ ALSO: Union insurance funds criticise proposed government benefits measure

“It is completely incomprehensible if something as important as this is decided based on an expectation of a growing problem,” said the head of the Danish A-Kasse branch association, Verner Kirk.

“That it is also pushed ahead with, even when the serious consequences for Danish workers are revealed, just makes matters worse,”

SF has decided to vote against the proposal, with a spokesperson calling it “a kick in the shins for Danish workers”.

However, with DF’s backing the bill is expected to be passed before the end of the year.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.