While the previous government made a point of putting a price tag on immigration to Denmark, the new SocDem-SocLib-SPP government wants to measure the progress of integrating “New Danes” in Denmark, writes Berlingske.
A new integration reform will introduce a so-called integration barometer as an ongoing indicator of the number of New Danes who find work. The government’s goal is for 10,000 more immigrants and their descendants to be in employment by 2020.
Improved tone
The integration reform is one of the first items on the agenda for Minister of Social Affairs and Integration Karen Hækkerup (SocDem), she says to Berlingske, emphasising that “there will be a great many changes” in integration and immigration policy.
Among other things, the tone towards foreigners in Denmark will be improved.
“It pains me that so many people feel they are viewed as a problem. There’s nothing worse than being labelled an outsider beforehand. Obviously people need to behave according to certain norms, but we need to change the tone so people feel welcome and that they are part of a community,” says Karen Hækkerup.
No support for point system
She believes that the Lib-Con-DPP point system for family reunification was a turning point in the immigration debate.
“It went too far, and it was the first time there wasn’t public support for tightening the immigration policy. It’s just not right that ordinary people who have found their spouses in Poland or Thailand can’t make a life for themselves in Denmark,” says Karen Hækkerup to Berlingske.
Farewell to citizenship test
The relaxation of the immigration policy is also expected to include a farewell to both the point system for family reunification and for permanent residence. The starting allowance and cash benefit ceiling will also be abolished, as will the citizenship test. The affiliation requirement will be eased and asylum seekers will be given better conditions.
Former Minister of Integration Søren Pind (Lib) has no doubt of the consequences:
“This is open borders and an open till. We will see an increase in people on public assistance who do not come from Denmark. And abolishing the point system will just bring the Anatolian Plateau that much closer. This is certainly not what they promised during the election,” he says.