Denmark Announces Sweeping Legal Reform to Deport Foreign Criminals
Denmark has unveiled a significant legal reform that will permit the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences, marking a substantial shift in the country's immigration and justice policies. The announcement was made on Friday 30 January 2026 by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who detailed the government's unconventional approach to addressing criminality among foreign residents.
Key Provisions of the Deportation Legislation
The reform specifically targets foreigners who have received sentences of at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for grave crimes. Prime Minister Frederiksen explicitly mentioned that offences such as aggravated assault and rape would fall under this category, making those convicted eligible for expulsion from Danish territory.
Frederiksen acknowledged during a news conference that this measure, which forms part of a broader series of legal changes, might potentially conflict with established European human rights conventions. Despite this recognition, the government has chosen to proceed with amending legislation rather than waiting for individual court rulings on deportation cases.
Additional Security and Immigration Measures
Alongside the deportation reform, Denmark will implement several complementary measures:
- Tightening controls on foreigners without legal residence status
- Introducing a new ankle monitor system specifically for criminal foreigners
- Reopening an embassy in Syria to enhance diplomatic presence
- Strengthening cooperation with authorities in Afghanistan
Statistical Context and Political Rationale
Immigration and Integration Minister Rasmus Stoklund provided concerning statistics during the announcement, revealing that over the past five years, 315 foreign criminals from countries outside the European Union had received sentences exceeding one year but were not expelled from Denmark. Minister Stoklund expressed that many Danish citizens find this situation difficult to comprehend, highlighting the public sentiment that informed the policy shift.
Broader European Context
This announcement arrives as the European Union, of which Denmark remains a member, continues to grapple with complex challenges surrounding the integration of foreign nationals and migrants. The 27-member bloc has been progressively stiffening its legal arsenal regarding migration, with last month marking the beginning of final negotiations for a comprehensive overhaul of the EU migration system.
The proposed EU reforms include tougher restrictions on accepting asylum claims, reflecting a broader continental trend toward more stringent immigration controls. Across Europe and throughout the Western world, numerous hard right-wing groups and political parties have expressed escalating frustration regarding what they perceive as an undesirable surge in immigration in recent years.
Denmark's legal reform represents a significant national response to these continental concerns, positioning the country at the forefront of European nations implementing stricter measures against foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences.
