Denmark Massively Cancels Residence Permits for Syrian Refugees

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Denmark has revoked the residence permits of 94 Syrian refugees within its borders. This is the first time a European country has canceled residence permits issued to Syrian refugees.

According to The Telegraph on the 1st (local time), the Danish Refugee Appeals Board decided this after determining in December 2019 that the situation in the Damascus area, the capital of Syria, had somewhat improved. They judged that it was no longer dangerous enough to require protective measures for refugees in Denmark.

Accordingly, the Danish government began reviewing the residence status of about 900 Syrian refugees and revoked the residence permits of 94 individuals by January of this year.

Syrian refugees who had obtained formal residence permits, allowing them to receive education and work, are now forced to either enter reception centers or return to their home country.

Matias Tesfaye, Minister of Immigration, stated regarding this, "When the situation in their home country improves, refugees should return and rebuild their lives," adding, "Protective measures can be withdrawn if further protection is no longer necessary."

In Denmark, voices of criticism have emerged not only from human rights and refugee organizations but also from political circles. So far, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has advocated a strong anti-refugee policy, promising to ensure that no refugee applicants would be able to apply for residence permits.

Mishala Bendiksen, an activist with a Danish refugee organization, expressed concern, saying, "Refugees are being deprived of education and jobs and forced to live in refugee camps," and added, "The Danish government hopes they will leave voluntarily. Syrian refugees have been driven into a very tragic situation."

The Telegraph reported that the Danish right-wing opposition party, the Liberal Party, argued that the government should swiftly carry out refugee deportations, even if it requires negotiations with Syria's dictatorial government, the Bashar al-Assad regime.

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