SHARE
COPY LINK

ISIS

Danish government to announce additional anti-jihadist laws

The government is to announce new policies clamping down on individuals who have connections to foreign militant groups.

Danish government to announce additional anti-jihadist laws
Photo: Ida Guldbæk Arentsen/Ritzau Scanpix

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, along with Minister of Justice Nick Hækkerup and Minister for Immigration and Integration Mattias Tesfaye, will on Thursday present the government's proposals to introduce stricter rules on the area.

Newspaper Berlingske reports that the proposals will include a ban on entering Denmark as well as a contact ban for persons convicted of terrorism.

As such, in cases where a parent is convicted as a foreign militant, the government will be able to give full custody to the non-convicted parent, broadcaster TV2 writes.

Stricter legislation on the issue has already been introduced by the governing Social Democrats following their victory in last year’s general election.

READ ALSO:

That includes a highly-debated expedited law which enables the immigration minister to revoke without legal process the passports of citizens who have fought for militant groups abroad. Individuals can appeal against the decision through the courts.

The law allows the government to strip passports and rights from Danes who have, for example, fought for militant group Islamic State (Isis) in Syria.

Three people with dual citizenship have had their Danish passports revoked under the law since it came into force.

Parliament will next week consider a second controversial bill. The latest bill would deprive children of Danish parents the automatic right to become Danish citizens if they are born in areas where a terrorist organization is involved an armed conflict.

Critics of the proposal have said that such a law risks making children stateless.

“I hope that there will be no further interventions to the rule of law. Or that new rules will interfere with existing rights. Or that we have to take even more rights away from children,” Social Liberal immigration spokesperson Kristian Hegaard said.

Hegaard added he hoped that the proposal would include “preventative” measures.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

DANISH CITIZENSHIP

Do you need to get a Danish passport after obtaining citizenship?

In Denmark, obtaining a Danish passport is not legally required after gaining citizenship. However, there are several reasons why getting one is a good idea.

Do you need to get a Danish passport after obtaining citizenship?

When you become a citizen of Denmark, you are eligible to apply for a Danish passport, but it’s not a legal obligation.

READ MORE: How to apply for citizenship in Denmark

This approach offers flexibility for those who may already have a travel document from other nations or do not wish to apply for a Danish passport immediately.

However, while not a legal requirement, there are considerable benefits to holding a Danish passport.

Why it’s a good idea to get a Danish passport

The document allows hassle-free travel across the European Union (EU) and numerous other countries, as it’s a reflection of the country’s strong diplomatic ties worldwide.

While new citizens of Denmark are not restricted to using a Danish passport for international travel travelling with a non-Danish passport might require additional visas or entry permits, depending on the destination.

Therefore, the Danish passport serves as a form of identification, simplifying bureaucratic and ID processes within and outside Denmark.

They also highlight to the Danish border force that you are exempt from any restrictions or requirements when crossing onto Danish soil.   

Consular assistance for passport holders

With a Danish passport, you can access consular services and assistance provided by Danish embassies and consulates worldwide.

They effectively extend the reach of Denmark’s government into foreign territories, offering a broad range of services – including emergency assistance, legal services, passport replacement, travel information, and others – that can be vital to Danish passport holders who encounter challenging situations during their travels abroad.

If you face a medical emergency, the consulate or embassy can help you locate medical facilities, contact your family, and provide guidance on dealing with local authorities.

Furthermore, they also offer notarial services such as document legalisations and certifications, often required for legal proceedings in foreign countries.

You can find the contact information for Danish embassies and consulates on this page of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dual citizenship and passports

Dual citizenship, which refers to people legally recognized as citizens of two countries simultaneously, makes things somewhat different.

READ MORE: What does gaining Danish citizenship mean to dual nationals?

Until 2015, Denmark’s policy was generally against dual citizenship. It required people to renounce their previous nationality when becoming Danish citizens.

In September 2015, Denmark changed its laws to allow dual citizenship. This means that you can now hold Danish citizenship and another nationality without giving up one of them.

Once your second citizenship is granted, provided it’s Danish, you’ll be eligible (though not obligated, as we’ve already explained) to apply for a Danish passport.

You’ll have to follow the standard application process, which involves applying at a local police station in Denmark or Danish consulates abroad if you’re residing overseas.

Furthermore, you’ll need to hand in the required documentation (proof of citizenship, ID, etc.) and pay a fee.

The Local has a deep-dive explainer on the rules for dual-nationals travelling in Denmark, where you can find more details on the issue.

SHOW COMMENTS