Highly-skilled and qualified expatriates have long been an integral part of the Danish labour market and society.

Since the 1960s, people from all over the world have contributed to growth, prosperity and the creation of new jobs, making Denmark one of the most affluent countries in the EU.

Vital for society
In fact, expatriates have contributed to building many of today’s most renowned Danish companies – many of which are multinationals.

With rising demand for experts and skilled workers in the near future, we invite more expats to come to Denmark to live, work and help us build the Danish businesses and society of tomorrow.

As an export-driven economy entirely dependent on global trade, the international labour market and the free movement of labour within the EU offer a golden opportunity for Denmark.

Misguided debate
As Danish businesses look far beyond national borders for the best possible workforce, the Danish society as a whole profits.

However, the benefits of the globalised labour market are often lost in public debate. The issue is conflated with social dumping and inscribed in discourses claiming foreigners to are ‘stealing local jobs’ are ‘taking advantage’ of the welfare system.

While it is important to recognise the difficulties that issue from the integration of different labour markets, it is vital that we keep an informed dialogue and widen the horizon of public debate to better reflect reality.

Imminent constraints
This is how, at the annual summit of the Confederation of Danish Industry, we tried to raise awareness, in particular, of the imminent constraints facing the Danish labour market.

The stark reality is that not only will Denmark need expats in the near future, we are in fact already part of the global competition for highly-skilled talent.

The future belongs to those societies that can accommodate the multicultural and multinational setting of companies doing business in fully integrated global value chains.