According to the Guardian, Shabana Mahmood is set to announce changes to the UK’s immigration rules, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s system, which is widely regarded as one of the strictest in Europe. Last month, the home secretary sent officials to Denmark to examine its border control and asylum policies, including tighter rules on family reunions and temporary stays for some refugees.
The BBC, which first reported the plans, says Mahmood will announce the changes later this month. The proposals have faced criticism from some Labour MPs, especially those on the left of the party, who describe the move as a “dangerous path.” Others, however, want the government to take even stronger measures.
In Denmark, refugees who are personally targeted by a foreign government are more likely to receive protection, while those fleeing conflicts are usually granted only temporary residence. Denmark also determines which countries are considered safe for refugees to return to. In 2022, the Danish government informed around 1,200 refugees from Damascus that their residency permits would not be renewed, as it deemed the region safe for return—a decision that diverged from UN and EU assessments.
UK officials have also shown interest in Denmark’s stricter family reunion rules. For a refugee with residency rights to bring their partner to Denmark, both individuals must be at least 24 years old, the resident partner must not have claimed benefits for three years, and they must provide a financial guarantee. Both partners are also required to pass a Danish language test.
Additionally, Denmark prohibits family reunions for those living in areas designated as “parallel societies,” where over 50% of residents are from what the government considers “non-western” backgrounds. In 2021, Denmark passed a law allowing it to process asylum seekers outside Europe, a move that drew criticism from human rights groups, the UN, and the European Commission.
Labour MP Clive Lewis strongly criticized the UK government’s plan to adopt the Danish system, arguing that it is an attempt to compete with Reform UK. He stated, “Denmark’s Social Democrats have taken a hardline approach to immigration, adopting many far-right talking points. While Labour needs to win back Reform-leaning voters, it shouldn’t come at the expense of losing progressive support.”
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East and a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, called the plan a “dangerous path” and described some Danish policies, particularly those on “parallel societies,” as “undeniably racist.” She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “I think this is a dead end—morally, politically, and electorally.”
Some centrist Labour MPs privately told the BBC they would oppose implementing Danish immigration policies in the UK. In contrast, Jo White, who leads a group of Labour MPs in “red wall” constituencies, expressed support for moving further in the Danish direction, warning that without such measures, Reform could become the main challenger in many Labour seats, leading to electoral losses.In September, Ahmood was appointed as Home Secretary and addressed the Labour conference, stating that “contribution to this country is a condition.” She announced several requirements for asylum seekers, including a plan to extend the time before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten.
Charities have criticized her, accusing her of “scapegoating” migrants. Following her speech, over 100 organizations, including Refugee Action, Save the Children, and Oxfam, urged Mahmood to address issues like housing, the climate crisis, and the NHS, and to stop implementing “performative policies” that cause harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the UKs potential adoption of a stricter Denmarklike immigration model designed with clear questions and direct answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this new immigration model the UK is talking about
Its a plan for the UK to create a much stricter immigration system inspired by Denmarks approach which focuses on attracting highly skilled workers and reducing overall immigration numbers
2 What is the main goal of this new model
The main goal is to control and lower net migration by being more selective about who can come to the UK to live and work prioritizing people with specific skills that are in high demand
3 How is Denmarks model different from the current UK system
Denmarks model is known for being very tough It includes measures like attaching temporary residence permits to specific job offers stricter requirements for permanent settlement and policies aimed at integrating newcomers into Danish culture and values
4 What are the potential benefits of this change
Potential benefits could include reduced pressure on public services like schools and the NHS higher wages for UK workers if theres less competition for lowskilled jobs and a focus on attracting talent that directly benefits the economy
5 Will this affect students and tourists
The main focus is on people who want to live and work in the UK longterm Student and tourist visa rules could see some changes but the most significant impact will likely be on work and family visas
Advanced Practical Questions
6 What does zero asylum or the UKstyle Rwandan model have to do with this
This is often mentioned alongside the Denmarkstyle work visa model While the work visa model controls legal economic migration the Rwanda plan is a separate policy designed to deter illegal migration and asylum seekers who arrive via small boats by processing their claims overseas
7 What are the biggest criticisms or potential problems with this plan
Critics argue it could lead to severe labour shortages in key sectors like social care hospitality and agriculture that rely on overseas workers There are also concerns about its impact on international university funding and whether it could damage the UKs global reputation for openness
8 Could this affect UK citizens or people already living in the UK legally
For most UK citizens and those with settled status there will be no direct impact However it could become
