Denmark to tighten residence conditions for Ukrainian refugees

The Danish government announced on the website of the Ministry of Migration that it plans to tighten the rules for granting residence permits to displaced persons from Ukraine. After the Russian invasion, a special law allowed tens of thousands of Ukrainians to obtain fast-track residence permits. Currently, approximately 45,000 displaced persons live in Danish municipalities.

The government is now proposing that certain groups should no longer be eligible for residence permits in the future. This would apply to people from areas of Ukraine less affected by the fighting, as well as men subject to mobilisation (currently aged 23 to 60).

Exceptions will be made for those who can prove that they are exempt from military service. Men under the age of 23 will only be able to obtain residence until they reach that age, and any extension will be conditional on exemption from mobilisation.

Immigration Minister Rasmus Stoklund explained that the aim is to support Ukraine by ensuring that Europe does not weaken its mobilisation efforts. At the same time, the cabinet wants to relieve municipalities under pressure to provide housing and integration.

The reform will not affect those who have already obtained a permit. The government also plans to introduce a work requirement for approximately 12,000 Ukrainians receiving benefits and to abolish certain special rules in education, including the possibility of studying in Ukrainian or remotely. It intends to submit the bill in April.

(max)