UK Considers Copying Denmark's Tough Immigration Rules Amid Refugee Crisis

The United Kingdom's government is considering an amendment to immigration rules modelled on Denmark's controversial policy amid pressure from far-right groups, who have attacked the Labour government over the rising number of refugees and migrants crossing into the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last month dispatched officials to study the workings of the Danish immigration and asylum system, widely considered the toughest in Europe. The officials are reportedly looking to review the British immigration rules on family reunion and limit refugees to a temporary stay. According to sources, the UK government's move is a response to the increasing number of asylum applications, with a total of 111,084 people applying for asylum in the year to June 2025, the highest number ever. The Danish model, which has been in place since 2020, restricts family reunification for refugees and limits their stay to a maximum of three years. The policy has been criticized by human rights groups and some European countries, but has been praised by far-right groups and some politicians for its perceived effectiveness in reducing immigration. A spokesperson for the Home Office declined to comment on the specifics of the proposed policy changes, but said that the government is committed to ensuring that the UK's immigration system is "fair, effective, and humane." However, critics of the proposed policy changes argue that they would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, such as women and children. "The Danish model is a recipe for disaster," said Sarah Jones, a spokesperson for the charity Refugee Action. "It would leave thousands of people in limbo, without access to the support and protection they need. We urge the government to reconsider this proposal and instead focus on creating a fair and compassionate immigration system that prioritizes the needs of refugees and asylum seekers." The UK government's move to study the Danish model has been welcomed by some far-right groups, who have long called for stricter immigration controls. "This is a major breakthrough for our movement," said a spokesperson for the far-right group, Britain First. "We have been calling for tougher immigration controls for years, and it's great to see the government finally taking action." The UK government's proposal to limit refugees to a temporary stay is also being met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that it would be difficult to implement and would likely lead to a rise in asylum seekers attempting to enter the country through other means. "Limiting refugees to a temporary stay would be a complex and bureaucratic process," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a migration expert at the University of Oxford. "It would also likely lead to a rise in asylum seekers attempting to enter the country through other means, such as by applying for a visa or using fake documents." The UK government's proposal to review the British immigration rules on family reunion is also being met with concern by some human rights groups, who argue that it would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, such as women and children. "Family reunion is a fundamental right for refugees and asylum seekers," said Sarah Jones, a spokesperson for Refugee Action. "We urge the government to reconsider this proposal and instead focus on creating a fair and compassionate immigration system that prioritizes the needs of refugees and asylum seekers." The UK government has not yet announced a timeline for the proposed policy changes, but officials are expected to report back to the Home Secretary in the coming weeks. The proposal is likely to face significant opposition from human rights groups and some politicians, who argue that it would be a step backwards for the UK's immigration system.