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Copenhagen, Denmark – In a development likely to impact thousands of Ukrainian refugees, the Danish government has announced plans to amend its Special Act on Ukraine, thereby restricting residence permits for men of conscription age. According to sources, the proposed change will bar males aged 23-60 who are not exempt from military service from obtaining residence permits in the country.
The decision to introduce stricter immigration rules comes at a time when approximately 47,600 displaced Ukrainians currently reside in Denmark under the aforementioned Act. This amendment aims to bring Denmark’s refugee policy in line with NATO and EU requirements, effectively ensuring that the country adheres to its military obligations.
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has expressed concern over the development, warning that thousands of individuals could be forced to return to Ukraine. In a statement, the DRC highlighted the precarious situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that many of those affected by the proposed policy change may face serious risks, including the threat of forced military service.
“It is crucial to remember that many Ukrainians who have applied for residence permits in Denmark have been forced to flee their homes due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” said Christian Friis Bach, head of the Danish Refugee Council. “Now, these individuals risk facing a similar, albeit different, form of displacement and danger in their own country.”
In a country that has long prided itself on its humanitarian stance and welcoming attitude towards refugees, the decision has sparked intense debate. Many are questioning the implications of this policy shift on Denmark’s reputation as a haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
The proposed amendment will also require Ukrainian men over the age of 25 to undergo a background check to determine their eligibility for residence. Those whose names appear on the country’s military service register will be categorically denied permits. While the changes are set to affect approximately 2,300 individuals, experts warn that the broader impact may be felt across the entire Ukrainian refugee community in Denmark.
While the exact timing of the policy change remains unclear, officials have indicated that it will be implemented in the coming months. As the country moves to enforce these new rules, many are likely to face an uncertain future, forced to confront an array of challenges in a country still grappling with its own identity as a safe haven for those in need.
Denmark’s Special Act on Ukraine was introduced in response to the February 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict. Under the initial act, displaced Ukrainians were granted temporary residence permits with the option to apply for permanent residence after one year. The move is a departure from this policy, effectively limiting the ability of Ukrainian men to reside in Denmark indefinitely unless they are exempt from military service.