Denmark to confiscate asylum seekers valuables

[Anthea]

BBC News

Denmark approves controversial migrant assets bill

The Danish parliament has backed a controversial proposal to confiscate asylum seekers' valuables to pay for their upkeep.

Police will be able to seize valuables worth more than 10,000 kroner (1,340 euros; £1,000) from refugees to cover housing and food costs.

MPs also approved plans to delay family reunions for asylum seekers.

The bill had been expected to go through even though it had been criticised by human rights groups.

The prospect of refugees having possessions seized has drawn comparisons to the confiscation of valuables from Jews during World War Two.

The government has said that items of sentimental value, such as wedding rings, will be exempt. It also raised the amount refugees will be allowed to keep from 3,000 kroner to 10,000 following objections.

The government has said that the policy brings refugees in line with unemployed Danes, who also face having to sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits.

However, critics have said that many Danes have unemployment insurance that saves them having to sell assets, and anyway would not face the kind of searches proposed under the new law.

The new measures also mean the period migrants will have to wait before applying for relatives to join them will be extended from one year to three - a move aimed at discouraging new arrivals.

Temporary residence permits will be shortened and the conditions for obtaining a permanent permit will be restricted.

Link to Full Article - Photos - Video:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35406436

[Anthea]

The government has said that the policy brings refugees in line with unemployed Danes, who also face having to sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits.

In almost every country on the planet - people are expected to live off their assets before claiming government benefits

Why should tax payers pay for people who have money of their own

The only people I would give refuge to are those such as the Yazidis and Syrian Kurds

First priority has to be the Yazidis who have been through hell at the hands of the Islamic State - are for the most part still ignored by the world in general - are still suffering - still have friends and family who are prisoners of the ISIS - have lost EVERYTHING - have no money for people smugglers - no money for food - no money for heating - the Yazidis are being left to DIE

SEND THE REST OF THE SO-CALLED ASYLUM SEEKERS
BACK TO WHERE THEY COME FROM