Denmark's tough stance on Syrian refugees has led to protests in Copenhagen in recent years. AFP
Denmark's tough stance on Syrian refugees has led to protests in Copenhagen in recent years. AFP
Denmark's tough stance on Syrian refugees has led to protests in Copenhagen in recent years. AFP
Denmark's tough stance on Syrian refugees has led to protests in Copenhagen in recent years. AFP

Denmark vows to fix 'dysfunctional' asylum system


Tim Stickings
  • English
  • Arabic

A new government in Denmark has promised an asylum shake-up to stop unwanted refugees from reaching its borders.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's coalition wants a joint EU reception centre to handle asylum claims outside Europe.

It says money used to look after refugees in Denmark could be better spent tackling the causes of migration at source.

Denmark receives about 1,000 to 1,500 asylum claims a year, far fewer than some European countries.

But Ms Frederiksen, a Social Democrat, promised at last month's election to maintain her hard line on immigration.

Despite winning a thin majority, she chose to form a unity government with the Liberals and Moderates.

A 63-page joint programme describes Denmark's current asylum system as “inhumane and dysfunctional”.

It said climate change, population growth, instability and a lack of opportunities for young people would only add to the pressure on Europe's borders.

“Denmark must fundamentally contribute to combatting the causes of migration and refugee flows. This requires ambitious climate action and sustainable economic development in Africa in particular,” it said.

“Resources that are currently used to deal with the spontaneous influx of refugees and migrants, many of whom are not entitled to protection, could instead be used for more aid and assistance in their neighbourhood and along migration routes.”

The coalition deal calls for agreements modelled on a pact between the EU and Turkey, under which Turkey is paid to stem the flow of Syrian refugees.

It says a reception centre outside Europe should be run jointly by the EU or by Denmark and other partners.

“The government will engage in all possible solutions that comply with international conventions and Denmark's EU legal obligations,” the new coalition agreement says.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, centre, with her new coalition partners Jakob Ellemann-Jensen and Lars Lokke Rasmussen. AFP
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, centre, with her new coalition partners Jakob Ellemann-Jensen and Lars Lokke Rasmussen. AFP

A new government in neighbouring Sweden has also promised asylum reform so that it is “not more generous than required”.

Curbing immigration was the central demand of the right-wing Sweden Democrats before a September election that made them kingmakers.

Denmark, like Britain, has already enlisted Rwanda as a place to deport failed asylum seekers.

Ms Frederiksen's government last year attracted controversy by saying Syria was safe for people to return.

Lars Lokke Rasmussen, a former prime minister who founded the Moderates last year, was on Thursday appointed foreign minister in the new government.

As prime minister he sought to deter migrants with controversial measures such as a “jewellery law” that allows police to confiscate valuables.

Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia are exempted from this measure. About 30,000 have taken shelter in Denmark this year.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8 
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k

Afghanistan Premier League - at a glance

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Fixtures:

Tue, Oct 16, 8pm: Kandahar Knights v Kabul Zwanan; Wed, Oct 17, 4pm: Balkh Legends v Nangarhar Leopards; 8pm: Kandahar Knights v Paktia Panthers; Thu, Oct 18, 4pm: Balkh Legends v Kandahar Knights; 8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers; Fri, Oct 19, 8pm: First semi-final; Sat, Oct 20, 8pm: Second semi-final; Sun, Oct 21, 8pm: final

Table:

1. Balkh Legends 6 5 1 10

2. Paktia Panthers 6 4 2 8

3. Kabul Zwanan 6 3 3 6

4. Nagarhar Leopards 7 2 5 4

5. Kandahar Knights 5 1 4 2

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Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
  • 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
  • 2nd Test India won by innings and 53 runs at Colombo
  • 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now

'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness' 

   

 

Director: Sam Raimi

 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams

 

Rating: 3/5

 
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor

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MATCH INFO

Bangla Tigers 108-5 (10 ovs)

Ingram 37, Rossouw 26, Pretorius 2-10

Deccan Gladiators 109-4 (9.5 ovs)

Watson 41, Devcich 27, Wiese 2-15

Gladiators win by six wickets

Updated: December 15, 2022, 9:41 AM