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Danish Parliament approves controversial refugee legislation

January 27, 2016 at 3:01 pm

Danish lawmakers voted Tuesday in favour of controversial legislation empowering authorities to seize cash and valuables from asylum seekers to pay for their upkeep.

The law was passed in parliament by 81 votes to 27, with one abstention.

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The passing of the “jewellery bill” allows the seizure of valuables worth more than 10,000 Danish kroner (about $1,453). The government has said that items of sentimental value, such as wedding rings, will be exempt.

Kofi Annan, the former United Nations general-secretary, expressed concern over the decision. On Facebook he wrote: “I am worried about the new refugee bill from the Danish parliament today. It stands in sharp contrast to the Danish humanitarian and social traditions and highlights a worrying trend in European politics.”

Read more about the “jewellery bill”

Rights group Amnesty International slammed the law, saying in a statement that it reflected a “dismal race to the bottom” by European countries in response to the refugee and migrant crisis.

The waiting period before refugees can apply for their spouses and children to join them has also been raised from one year to three.

This means a child seeking refuge in Denmark will have to wait three years before they can be reunited with their family. “Three years is an eternity in a child’s life,” Amnesty said. “It is a black day. For Denmark and the Syrians.”