Denmark's government recently moved a controversial legislation in thee country's national parliament, proposing to seize jewellery and other valuable belongings from refugees entering the country.
The draft law, which was tabled on Dec. 10, is expected to be passed by parliament in January 2016, according to DW. Danish law mandates the government to provide refugees the same support and facilities that are provided to the country's citizens, such as free healthcare and education.
"The Danish Immigration Service shall ensure that asylum seekers receive the necessary support while their asylum applications are being considered. The support includes basic maintenance, health care and accommodation. The bill presented on 10 December 2015 provides the Danish authorities with the power to search clothes and luggage of asylum seekers - and other migrants without a permit to stay in Denmark - with a view to finding assets which may cover the expenses mentioned above," a government spokesperson said, according to Channel4.
The government also made it clear that they would not confiscate items of "sentimental value" like wedding rings and assets that are necessary to maintain a modest standard of living, such as watches and mobile phones, The Copenhagen Post reported.
The proposal has sparked an international outrage. Even some commentators compared the move to the Nazi policy of seizing gold and jewelry from Jews in World War II. Read some reactions here:
#Denmark, one of the richest nations on Earth to seize possessions of #refugees. Words fail anyone with a shred of decency
— Teacher Dude (@teacherdude) December 18, 2015
Nazi inspired? Denmark wants to seize jewelry and cash from refugees https://t.co/dNoKQmRX4W — Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) December 17, 2015
Shame on you, Denmark: https://t.co/bDIPVpRPg7
— Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) December 17, 2015
Denmark, you're doing it wrong. Denmark passes a law allowing govt to seize jewelry from refugees to cover expenses. https://t.co/4LOiy6UmkT — Eva (@evacide) December 15, 2015
As #Denmark tries to become worst place in Europe for Syria's refugees, there is hope in Canada: https://t.co/UGL9oDeNxf
— Jan Egeland (@NRC_Egeland) December 11, 2015
"I can see that some foreign media are pouring scorn over (the fact) that we in the future may withdraw asylum seekers' valuables and demand that they should pay for their stay in asylum centres themselves," Integration Minister Inger Stojberg said while defending the right-wing Venstre party-led government's decision, according to The Local.
"There is no reason to criticise, since it is already the case that if you as a Dane have valuables for more than 10,000 kroner ($1,450, 1,340 euros) it may be required that this is sold before you can receive unemployment benefits," she added.
The Europe has received more than 9,200,000 refugees so far this year as per International Organisation for Migration (IOM) figures. More than 18,000 refugees arrived in Denmark so far this year.
