Increase in Danish citizenship fees labeled as an unjust charge for active democracy involvement
Denmark's lawmakers are gearing up to vote on a significant hike in citizenship application fees, boosting the cost to 6,000 kroner in the upcoming weeks. This move comes from a parliamentary agreement signed in June 2024 between the three ruling parties and the opposition Liberal Alliance, ensuring a smooth passage once the bill's first reading occurs on February 27th.
The new fee structure will increase the current 4,000 kroner application fee to 6,000 kroner, and introduce a 3,000 kroner charge for subsequent applications. Those who were born in Denmark or arrived before the age of eight will pay a reduced fee of 4,000 kroner.
Denmark's Migration Minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, defended this increase as "only fair," arguing that it would help "more closely reflect the actual costs that the Danish state has to process the cases." He further explained that the new fee for repeated applications would deter frivolous attempts.
However, Peder Hvelplund, the immigration spokesperson for the Red-Green Alliance, dismissed Dybvad Bek's justification, claiming that the real motivation behind the increase was to create more obstacles for obtaining Danish citizenship. He pointed out that the 6,000 kroner fee already surpassed a five-fold increase from a little over a decade ago, making it "really unfair" for applicants.
Hvelplund argued that applicants also have to shoulder additional fees such as doctor's notes, language, and citizenship tests, and he expressed concern that the citizenship fee hike was an "unfair fee for participating in democracy."
Zenia Stampe, a spokesperson for the Social Liberal Party, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the new law was another attempt to make it more challenging to apply for and acquire citizenship in Denmark. She suggested streamlining citizenship processes by making it automatic for individuals born in Denmark, reaching the age of 18 with no criminal record, and passing primary school level exams.
Hvelplund expressed disappointment that Denmark's Social Democrats now supported measures to make citizenship more difficult to obtain, stating that such policies were once easier to oppose, and they could often rely on the Social Democratic Party for support.
Critics argue that the increased fees could create financial barriers, particularly for low-income applicants. However, supporters of the policy see it as a necessary adjustment to realign with actual administrative costs and ensure the sustainability of the immigration system in Denmark.
- The parliamentary agreement signed in June 2024, which includes the ruling parties and the opposition Liberal Alliance, has agreed on a policy-and-legislation policy change, set to increase citizenship application fees to 6,000 kroner.
- Amidst the general news of Denmark's lawmakers gearing up for a significant hike in application fees, the art of politics is evident as the Ministry of Migration defends the increase, labeling it "fair" and necessary to "more closely reflect the actual costs that the Danish state has to process the cases."
- Despite the defense from Kaare Dybvad Bek, Migration Minister, Peder Hvelplund, immigration spokesperson for the Red-Green Alliance, believes otherwise, asserting that the real motivation behind the increase is to create more obstacles for obtaining Danish citizenship.
- As the first reading of the bill occurs on February 27th, Hvelplund deplores Denmark's Social Democrats for supporting measures he feels make citizenship more difficult to obtain, citing they could previously rely on them for opposition.
- Controversy arises as critics argue the increased fees could result in financial barriers, primarily for low-income applicants, whereas supporters view the increase as a necessary adjustment to realign with actual administrative costs and ensure the sustainability of the immigration system in Denmark.
- Zenia Stampe, a spokesperson for the Social Liberal Party, shares this concern, advocating for streamlining citizenship processes by automatically granting citizenship to individuals born in Denmark, reaching the age of 18 with no criminal record, and passing primary school level exams.
