Fewer citizenships granted under current government

Enhedslisten demanding explanation from Justice Minister regarding drop-off in numbers

Despite rule changes and funding to reduce waiting times, the number of citizenships granted under the current government has decreased.

The number of people being granted citizenship is at its lowest for many years. The number of Danish citizenships issued in November 2011 was 1718. In April 2012 the number fell to 1099 and in October 2012 it was down to 1157. In April 2013 the figure dropped to 686 and in October 2013 it was 1100.

READ ALSO: Youngsters with immigrants roots should have an easier path to citizenship

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Explanation required
Since 2011, the government's program has been commited to sending a clear signal to foreigners that those who have lived in Denmark for a long time and are successfully integrated would be able to become Danish citizens.

Last week, a new bill put forward by the justice minister, Karen Hækkerup, proposes that only 679 adults receive citizenship before the summer period.

Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, Enhedslisten's political spokesperson and a member of parliament, is now requesting an explanation of the figures from Hækkerup in light of a political agreement from May 2013 intended, among other things, to ease citizenship processing times.




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