The UK government is considering significant changes to its immigration rules, drawing inspiration from Denmark's stringent system, widely recognized as one of Europe's toughest. This move is driven by rising public concerns about immigration, particularly the number of migrants arriving via small boat crossings, and mounting political pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform party, which advocates for a radical overhaul of the current system, including scrapping the right to permanent settlement after five years.

Denmark's immigration approach, primarily designed by the centre-left Social Democrats, has resulted in a 40-year low in asylum grants, excluding the pandemic-affected year of 2020. The system typically offers temporary protection to individuals targeted by foreign regimes, reserving the right to return asylum seekers to their home countries once deemed safe. A notable example is the 2022 decision to return approximately 1,200 Syrian refugees from Damascus, a move that diverged from positions held by the UN and EU.

Family reunification rules in Denmark are exceptionally tight. Refugees must demonstrate they cannot live safely with their partner or children elsewhere and meet several strict criteria to bring a partner to Denmark. These include both individuals being at least 24 years old, passing a Danish language test, the refugee not having claimed benefits for three years, and providing a financial guarantee. These measures, the government states, are partly designed to prevent forced marriages.

The Danish model has attracted significant controversy due to policies perceived as discriminatory. Refugees residing in housing estates designated as “parallel societies”—areas where over half the population is from “non-western” backgrounds—are ineligible for family reunion. Furthermore, the law permits the state to demolish apartment blocks within these estates. While the Danish government asserts these measures encourage integration, an EU official has raised concerns about potential discrimination. Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration, Rasmus Stoklund, emphasizes that these strict rules are vital for protecting Danish society's nature, expecting newcomers to participate and contribute positively or face not being welcome.

The efficacy of Denmark's policies is undeniable, with asylum claims plummeting by almost 90% over the last decade, reaching 2,333 last year compared to the UK's record 108,138. The system employs various deterrents, including denying benefits to refused asylum seekers, providing only food at deportation camps while awaiting removal by the Danish Returns Agency (which receives extra funds for results), and the possibility for even successful asylum seekers to lose residency and be returned home if their country of origin is deemed safe. Financial incentives, reportedly up to £24,000, are also offered to migrants agreeing to repatriation.

Within the Labour party, the prospect of adopting a Danish-style system has ignited an internal battle. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly considering such hardline rules, with Home Office officials having visited Copenhagen to study the system, particularly its restrictions on family reunification. While Mahmood is expected to introduce more restrictive family reunion routes, she may not go as far as Denmark.

The left wing of the Labour party has vehemently criticized these potential changes. MPs like Nadia Whittome and Clive Lewis have condemned Danish policies as “undeniably racist,” “far-right,” and a “dangerous path” for the Labour government. Ms. Whittome argued that such policies, including those preventing people from moving to certain housing areas, are discriminatory and should not be emulated by a centre-left government.

Conversely, some Labour MPs, particularly those in “red wall” seats, have welcomed the exploration of the Danish model. Jo White, chair of the Red Wall Caucus, warned that Labour would be “annihilated” by Reform if it failed to tighten immigration rules. Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent, found the current system “inherently unfair” to his constituents and emphasized the importance of exploring “best practice” from sister parties globally. Mr. Snell also supported facilitated returns for migrants when their home countries are safe and advocated for a sensible approach to family reunification, differentiating between immediate and distant relatives.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, whose Social Democrats have successfully pursued a “zero-refugee” policy since 2019, seeing their popularity rise while the far-right Danish People's Party's support has declined significantly. The UK government also announced in September the suspension of new applications to the existing refugee family reunion route while new rules are being developed, aiming to restrict family members joining asylum seekers without meeting income and English-language tests.