Denmark proposes residency restrictions for Ukrainian men

The Danish Parliament is set to adopt a legislative proposal that restricts residency permits for Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60. The new law aims to limit the number of refugees by excluding individuals from 14 areas deemed ‘less war-affected.’

Several organizations have voiced strong opposition to the measure. The Danish Refugee Council warns that the law will lead to further family separations. The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom argues that the proposal undermines the right to conscientious objection and could make Denmark complicit in human rights violations by denying protection to men facing forced mobilization.

In North Jutland, local mayors from the Venstre party are criticizing the government's approach. Søren Smalbro, Mayor of Hjørring, and Per Bach Laursen, Mayor of Vesthimmerland, argue that while some municipalities near Copenhagen are at capacity, many others in North Jutland have the space and resources to accommodate more Ukrainian refugees. They contend that a blanket national restriction is an inadequate response to localized pressure in specific regions.