What is the percentage of foreign nationals who settle permanently in Denmark?
Foreign Workers in Denmark: A Closer Look
Denmark demands foreign labor to tackle labor shortages in numerous sectors. To maintain this workforce, it's crucial to retain imported labor instead of constantly seeking new international recruits. So, is Denmark retaining fewer foreign workers? And how does it compare to other countries?
Let's Dig Deeper
Denmark seems to have steady retention rates for foreign arrivals, with the number of departures hardly surpassing inbound migrants [1]. Recent trends indicate a resurgence in net migration post-pandemic, mirroring historical patterns.
While a 2023 study by Statistics Denmark reveals that over half of foreign residents between 2003 and 2023 have eventually departed [1], three-year retention rates in Denmark have consistently lingered between 40% and 50% throughout the past two decades. This rate dipped slightly after peaking in 2015, possibly as a result of stricter immigration, work permit, and citizenship rules following the refugee crisis [1]. However, the latest figures suggest that the number of foreign workers choosing to stay in Denmark is on the rise once again.
International Comparison
Denmark's retention rate is by no means an outlier. In 2024, the OECD published a study examining the five-year exit rate of immigrants arriving in 11 European countries between 2010 and 2014 [1]. This rate, which represents the percentage of foreign citizens leaving within five years, varied significantly. Germany, with its reliance on guest workers, exhibited the highest rate at 67.2%, while France showed the lowest at 26.5%. Comparatively, Denmark's five-year exit rate is rather average. It is noticeably lower than those of Germany, Italy, and Spain but comparable to Austria's and superior to those of countries such as France, the UK, and Sweden. Sweden is an exception with a 5-year exit rate around half that of Denmark, though this may change due to its right-wing government's recent tightening of immigration policies.
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- In light of Denmark's consistent retention rates for foreign workers, it's worth exploring the factors contributing to this trend.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding immigration, work permits, and citizenship in Denmark may play a significant role in the retention of foreign workers.
- The average retention rate in Denmark has hovered between 40% and 50% over the past two decades, indicating a steady but not exceptional rate compared to other European countries.
- When comparing Denmark's retention rate to other European nations, it's notable that Germany has a higher exit rate, while countries like France, the UK, and Sweden exhibit lower rates.
- In the realm of politics and general news, understanding the retention rates of foreign workers in countries like Denmark can provide insights into migration policies and their effects on the labor market.
