Danish work rights for international students on unrecognized academic programs may be at risk

Work Permits Shift for International Students in Denmark

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Denmark is considering stricter work regulations for student visa holders, following reports of misuse, according to Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek.

Misuse of Danish student visas, primarily for work, has been suspected, according to Bek, exerting pressure on the Danish labor market. He plans to change the rules, potentially restricting access to the Danish labor market for some international students.

The Danish study permit allows inhabitants to work within limits. Typically, students can work an average of 20 hours per week during regular academic terms (September to May), but full-time work during June, July, and August is permitted.

READ ALSO: Can you work on a Danish study permit?

"We suspect that the overall intention of the Nepalese persons' stay in Denmark was labor migration," Bek told the trade union journal Fagbladet 3F.

Bek aims to alter study visa regulations to prevent international students from having automatic access to the Danish labor market. He also intends to disallow the partners of students from obtaining work permits based on the partner's study visa.

However, these adjustments will only affect limited study programs, specifically "non-publicly accredited" higher education programs. Such programs do not belong to the Danish higher education system, and credentials earned are not considered part of the Danish system either.

It's crucial to note that work permit changes primarily affect non-state-approved educational institutions, like Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, as per a recent Fagbladet 3F report. Despite being on the Ministry of Higher Education and Science's list of accredited institutions, not all of the college's programs have public approval.

In 2024, 1,085 Nepalese students were enrolled at the college, compared to 191 in 2022. Last year saw a noteworthy increase in the number of Nepalese students with study and work permits (2,446) and work permits for accompanying spouses (1,725). These figures have tripled since 2022.

The college did not respond to Fagbladet 3F's request for comment.

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Revocation of Automatic Work Permits: International students from third countries attending non-state-approved higher education programs will no longer receive automatic limited work permits.
Job Search Stay Restrictions: These students will no longer be allowed to stay in Denmark for six months to look for a job after completing their studies.
Family Restrictions: The right for accompanying family members to join the students in Denmark will also be rescinded.
Application Timeline: These modifications apply to residence permit applications submitted from May 2, 2025, onwards.
Exceptions: Students who have submitted residence permit applications before May 2, 2025, will retain their work privileges, job search stay, and the right to bring their family with them.

These changes aim to ensure that residence permits are granted only to students who genuinely intend to study in Denmark, addressing concerns about students leaving their studies to work.

The Danish government is planning to tighten work regulations for international students on study visas due to allegations of misuse, putting pressure on the labor market.
The Immigration and Integration Minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, aims to alter the rules to restrict access to the Danish labor market for some international students, potentially limiting their work hours.
Articles about the Danish education system, work permits, and immigration can fall under 'general news,' 'education-and-self-development,' 'policy-and-legislation,' and 'politics.'
Currently, the Danish study permit allows students to work within certain limits, typically 20 hours per week during regular academic terms.
Bek intends to prevent international students from having automatic access to the Danish labor market and also plans to prohibit partners of students from obtaining work permits based on the partner's study visa.
The changes in work permit regulations will primarily affect non-state-approved educational institutions, such as Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, and the partners of students enrolled in such programs.

Stricter work regulations for student visa holders in Denmark may be imminent following the immigration minister's promise of action in response to allegations of misuse.

Danish work rights for international students on unrecognized academic programs may be at risk