US EditionDenmark unveils legal reform to allow the worst foreign criminals to be deported
The law targets foreigners sentenced to at least one year for serious crimes, with 315 non-EU offenders not expelled in five years, officials said.
- On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen presented a legal reform allowing foreigners sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment to be deported.
- At last month, the EU began finalising an overhaul of its migration system amid pressure from hard right-wing groups and political parties in Europe, with at least 27 foreign criminals from countries outside the EU remaining unexpelled over five years.
- The government paired the reform with tighter controls on people without legal residence, a new anklet monitor for criminal foreigners, reopening an embassy in Syria, and strengthened cooperation with authorities in Afghanistan while acting `unconventionally`, amending legislation rather than awaiting court rulings.
- The reform could trigger legal challenges to human rights conventions, as Frederiksen acknowledged it may conflict with European human rights conventions and address 315 convictions over the past five years.
- The step dovetails with EU-level shifts as Denmark's package aligns with broader European Union, 27-member bloc efforts, last month finalising tougher migration rules amid pressure from hard right-wing groups and political parties in Europe.
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31 Articles
Migrants who have committed serious crimes in Denmark are to be automatically deported from May 1st. Prerequisite is the conviction to a prison sentence of at least one year.
Denmark said on Friday it would introduce legislation allowing the expulsion of more foreigners including criminals despite the risk of clashing with Europe's human rights court.
In addition, the government, which has insisted that "refugees must be in Denmark temporarily", will strengthen incentives for voluntary return and tighten the screw for foreigners in departure centres.
Associated Press News
Denmark unveils legal reform to allow the worst foreign criminals to be deported
Denmark has unveiled a deportation reform under which foreigners who are convicted of serious crimes, like aggravated assault and rape, would be expelled.
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