COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s new center-right minority government on Wednesday said that they will reduce the number of asylum-seekers by lowering social benefits.
Immigration minister Inger Stoejberg said “the effect is hopefully” fewer asylum-seekers, calling it “a very clear goal” for the new government which took office Sunday.
What’s New
Stoejberg said Wednesday that a single person would get nearly 6,000 kroner ($900) a month instead of 10,850 kroner ($1,625), while a couple over the age of 30 with children would get 16,640 ($2,500) against 28,800 kroner ($4,315).
A monthly bonus of 1,500 kroner ($225) would be given to immigrants who can pass a Danish language test “meaning you can be on the labor market and you can start getting an education,” Stoejberg said. More tightening was expected, she added.
The government and its allies want more foreigners to better integrate the Danish society instead of living off social benefits. Official statistics show first- and second-generation immigrants represent 12 percent of Denmark’s 5.6 million inhabitants and 16 percent of the 1 million people receiving some kind of government benefits, including student grants and parental leave.
The proposal must go through parliament. The government has a majority and if passed, the new measure would take effect Sept. 1.
