Danish Conservatives Propose Restricting Work Permits for Citizens of Muslim-Majority Countries

Denmark’s Conservative Party has proposed stricter rules on issuing work permits for citizens from MENAPT countries—an acronym that includes the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

According to The Local, the party argues that while foreign workers may fill short-term labour gaps, they could create long-term integration challenges for Danish society.

“There’s been a lack of recognition that those who arrive here as much-needed labour can end up becoming an integration challenge,”
— Mette Abildgaard, Political Spokesperson, Conservative Party

The proposal has sparked a national debate, with the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)—the country’s largest business and employers’ organisation—expressing strong opposition.

“As long as internationals come here to work, we value them no matter where they’re from,”
— Søren Kjærsgaard Høfler, Senior Consultant, DI

Countries That Could Be Affected

If implemented, the Conservative Party’s proposal would primarily impact nationals from:

• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Israel, Palestine
• North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan
• South Asia: Pakistan
• Eurasia: Türkiye

Current Policy & Uncertainty Over Reform

Under existing rules, non-EU nationals can obtain a Danish work permit if they meet minimum salary thresholds and job criteria. These rules apply broadly to third-country nationals and are part of Denmark’s efforts to balance labour market needs with immigration controls.

While it’s unclear if the proposal will gain enough support in Parliament, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has previously voiced concerns about rising immigration figures.

“Of course, it’s positive that people want to contribute to Denmark, but when it comes to foreign labour, numbers matter—especially those from North Africa and the Middle East,”
— Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen

In a related development, Denmark has also begun tightening work access for international students from non-EU countries due to concerns over misuse of student visas for employment purposes.