Human Rights groups are now in uproar as Denmark approves controversial law allowing refugees’ possessions, including jewellery and money, to be confiscate..
“Most misunderstood bill in Denmark’s history,” said Prime minister, Lar Lokke Rasmunen, referring to the international criticism and uproar against the bill.
The bill that was warned will “fuel fear and Xenophobia by the UN, was expected to pass through the Danish parliament, for two opposition parties (Social Democrats and Anti-immigration Danish People’s Party) supported the bill.
In the wave of huge criticism, Denmark’s Parliament first proposed to allow refugees to keep up to 3,000 Kroner (£300) worth of valuables was increased to 10,000 Kroner (£1,000) worth of valuables, anything tipping the value above 10,000 K will be confiscated by authorities.
Things of sentimental value – wedding rings, ect – will not be touched or included during the valuing of the items.
“always be able to keep assets which are necessary to maintain a modest standard of living, e.g. watches and mobile phones,” said a government spokesmen.
Migration minister, Inger Stoejberg, said: “Those people who can manage by themselves shouldn’t have assistance from the state.” Howeber, many claim that the bill is an attempt to send a message to refugees not to make way to Denmark.
Among some of the measures in the new bill are tougher border controls, raising the period families have to wait to apply for loved-ones to joined them from one to three years and allows officials to cut resident permits.
Jonas Christoffersen, the director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, told Al Jazeera: “The right of refugees to be reunited with their family is protected by numerous international conventions ratified by Denmark.
“We believe the government is overstepping international law by implementing this bill.”
Denmark receives the highest applications made by refugees out of all EU nations.