Denmark to Tighten Work Permit Rules for Foreign Students Amid Misuse Reports

Denmark may tighten work permit regulations for foreign students following reports of misuse of student residence permits for work purposes.

Reports of Permit Misuse Raise Concerns

According to Schengen.News, Denmark’s Minister of Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad Bek, stated that the country aims to introduce stricter rules for third-country students, particularly those from Nepal, who are reportedly working in low-paid jobs such as cleaning in hotels and restaurants.

“We rely on the police’s assessment that the overall purpose of the Nepalese’s stay is labour migration. The police suspect that the rules are not being complied with and are thus depressing wages in the Danish labour market,” said Bek.

Two Key Changes in Immigration Rules for Student Permits

As reported by Fagbladet 3F, the Danish government intends to implement the following changes:

• Students from countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) will no longer be eligible for automatic access to the Danish labour market through their residence permits.
• The spouse or partner of such students will no longer be eligible to apply for a work permit in Denmark.

Bek told Politiken, “At some point, you will also have to stop a system that does not work the way it is intended. And I think that is clearly the case here.”

Currently, Denmark allows foreign students with study permits to work for an average of 20 hours per week during the regular study term (September to May) and full-time from June to August. However, the proposed changes aim to prevent individuals from using study permits primarily for employment purposes.

Increase in Nepalese Students in Denmark

The decision to tighten rules follows a significant increase in Nepalese students enrolling in Denmark. According to a report from Fagbladet 3F, a total of 1,085 students from Nepal began their studies at Danish educational institutions in 2024, a notable rise from 191 in 2023.

The same source reveals that last year, there were 2,446 Nepalese students studying and working in Denmark, while 1,725 of their partners were simultaneously employed, marking a surge compared to 2022 statistics.

The Danish government’s initiative aims to safeguard the country’s labour market while ensuring that student residence permits serve their intended purpose.

Sources:

• Schengen.News: Denmark’s New Work Permit Rules for Foreign Students
• Fagbladet 3F: Changes in Immigration Policies
• Politiken: Statement from Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek