Danish MPs debate on controversial plan to seize refugee valuables

Members of Danish parliament started on Wednesday debating on a controversial bill to confiscate valuables of asylum seekers as the country is struggling to handle the rising number of immigrants and refugees.

The bill, submitted to parliament on Dec. 10, initially proposed to take away cash and valuables worth over 3,000 Danish kroner from the refugees before they are granted subsidies.

The plan has since sparked a wave of criticism both at home and abroad, with some commentators likening the proposals to the plundering of Jews by Nazi Germany.

On last Friday, Danish Integration Minister Inger Stoejberg said the total sum would be increased to 10,000 kroner, instead of 3,000 kroner.

Wedding rings and other items of sentimental value will not be seized, according to the plan.

On Tuesday, the government, led by Liberal Party and backed by its right-wing allies, the Danish People's Party, the Liberal Alliance and the Conservative People's Party, secured a parliamentary majority over the bill, scheduled to be voted on Jan. 26.

The bill also includes measures aimed to make it harder for refugees to obtain permanent residency and to shorten temporary resident permits.

Stoejberg said the measures would put migrants on an equal footing with jobless Danes, who must sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits.

She noted that the assets seized would help contribute to the housing, healthcare and education for the refugees.

In 2015, Denmark received about 21,000 refugees, according to figures by the government. Endit