Danish minister intends to forbid vehicle operation for dwellers of deportation facility
Denmark's Immigration Minister Takes Tough Stance on Expulsion Center Residents
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Denmark's Immigration Minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, is planning to tighten the screws on residents at the Kærshovedgård expulsion center. The new measures, which will go into effect on January 1st, 2024, if approved by parliament, include a driving ban for most residents, stricter knife control in immigration facilities, and restrictions on access to state-funded student grants and business registration for foreign nationals residing in Denmark illegally.
Bek detailed these new measures in a conversation with the newspaper, Jyllands-Posten. "I don't want people living here under the pretense of normal life while they're awaiting deportation," he stated. "These restrictions are meant to create an environment where it's clear they aren't welcome to stay."
The proposed driving ban applies to residents who must regularly register at the center where they live, a requirement that affects most residents at Kærshovedgård. The ban comes amidst an ongoing court case involving a male resident, who was involved in a fatal car accident while under the influence of cannabis, resulting in the death of the female driver of the other vehicle.
Furthermore, Bek intends to implement a ban on the possession of knives without a valid reason in all Danish expulsion centers, as well as asylum centers.
Enforcement of harsh conditions at the Kærshovedgård center has long been a source of controversy. Originating in the mid-2010s, the facility received criticism for imposing conditions that could potentially lead to mental illnesses in residents. In 2023, a visit from the parliamentary ombudsman concluded that conditions had deteriorated, that crime was prevalent, and that many residents were struggling with addiction issues.
Local politicians from the Ikast-Brande Municipality even reached out to the minister directly last year to express concerns about residents from the center committing crimes in the area.
The Danish government's actions are driven by the desire to maintain legal order and ensure compliance with deportation orders. Yet, there is political debate surrounding these measures, with some parties articulating concerns about their potentially adverse effects on community safety and human rights.
[1] Denmark to tighten immigration rules: ban on driving, and restrictions on student grants and business registration (The Local)[2] The Conservative Party advocates moving immigration centers to alleviate local community risks (DR)[3] The Danish People's Party supports the measures with the aim of preventing integration of undocumented immigrants (Berlingske)
- The General-news outlet, The Local, reported that Denmark is planning to impose a driving ban and restrictions on state-funded grants for foreign nationals residing in Denmark illegally, following the Immigration Minister's tough stance.
- Articles in Berlingske have highlighted the Danish People's Party's agreement with the proposed measures, as they aim to prevent the integration of undocumented immigrants.
- In response to concerns about crimes being committed by residents from the Kærshovedgård center, local politicians from the Ikast-Brande Municipality had reached out to the minister last year.
- The Danish government's plans, which include stricter knife control and harsher conditions at expulsion centers, have sparked political debate, with some parties expressing worries about their impact on community safety and human rights.
- While implementing a ban on the possession of knives without a valid reason in all Danish expulsion and asylum centers, as expressed by Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek, is part of a proposed set of new measures, it is important to note that these plans are still subject to parliamentary approval.
