Denmark

Denmark's Zero Refugee Policy

Denmark's strict immigration policies have recently made headlines with the implementation of a "zero refugee" policy. Since Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen came to power in 2019, Denmark has taken a firm stance on immigration, resulting in a significant decline in asylum admissions.

In 2024, Denmark granted a record low of 860 asylum requests, the lowest number since 2020 when COVID-19 lockdowns temporarily halted new arrivals. This figure represents a historic low, influenced by the far-right parties' long-standing impact on Denmark's immigration approach.

The policy has been met with mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it is necessary to maintain social cohesion and ensure that resources are allocated to existing citizens. Critics, however, point out the humanitarian implications and the potential violation of international obligations to protect refugees.

Denmark's approach includes negotiating an agreement to remain outside the EU's common asylum policy and implementing various initiatives to discourage migrants. The country has also made Danish citizenship harder to obtain, further tightening its immigration controls.

As the European Union prepares to overhaul its asylum rules by mid-2026, Denmark's stance remains a contentious topic. The debate continues on whether this policy is a sustainable solution or a short-sighted approach to a complex global issue.