Unauthorized Danish educational programmes may result in work permit revocation for international students
Working Permits for International Students in Denmark Under Scrutiny 🇩🇰📝
Lights are being shone on potential misuse of work permits by international students in Denmark, particularly those attending non-publicly accredited higher education institutions. The immigration minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, has promised action following reports of some Nepalese nationals predominantly using their Danish student visas for work, which is against the visa rules[1].
Fagbladet 3F, a trade union journal, highlighted a rise in this trend, observing wage pressure on the Danish labour market[1]. Bek acknowledged the police's "suspicion" about the misuse of the visas[1]. His response? A review of work permit rules for students at certain institutions[1].
This move could mean the end of automatic access to the Danish labour market for certain international students and their partners[1]. The current study permit system grants limited work rights along with residency[2]. However, the proposed revisions could restrict these work rights for students at non-publicly accredited institutions[1].
So, what does this mean for international students? The minister aims to change the rules such that students will no longer have automatic access to the Danish labor market[1]. Additionally, partners of students will no longer be able to apply for work permits in Denmark based on the partner's study visa[1].
The changes will only apply to specific study programmes, called 'non-publicly accredited' higher education programmes[2]. These programmes do not belong to the Danish higher education system and credentials awarded by them are not qualifications of the Danish higher education system[2]. However, study permits can still be granted for their study based on assessment of the individual programmes[2].
It's essential to understand that these restrictions only pertain to new international students enrolling after May 2, 2025[1][2]. Students who have already been granted or applied for residence permits before this date will retain their current rights, including the limited work permissions, post-study job search periods, and family reunification rights[1][2][5].
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation! 🌟
Bonus Insights 🔍
- The Minister aims to ensure that residence permits are granted primarily to students who genuinely intend to pursue studies in Denmark at publicly accredited institutions[1][2].
- The changes were formalized through an update to the “Executive Order on the granting of residence and work permits to students” by the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration[1][2].
- Some students from non-publicly accredited institutions may be eligible for exemptions from these restrictions, depending on their specific circumstances[3].
[1] Danish Immigration Service: Changes to Study Permits for Non-Publicly Accredited Institutions[2] Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science: List of Accredited Institutions[3] Exemptions for Non-Publicly Accredited Institutions: An Overview[4] Danish Immigration Service: Residence Permits for International Students – FAQs[5] Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration: Press Release on Changes to Study Permits for Non-Publicly Accredited Institutions
- Amidst the scrutiny on working permits for international students in Denmark, the minister aims to restrict work rights for students attending non-publicly accredited institutions, particularly in fields such as art, education-and-self-development, news, science, and space.
- In response to potential misuse of student visas for work, the minister plans to implement changes that may impact education and self-development opportunities for international students in Denmark, including restrictions on their access to the Danish labor market and work permits for partners, specifically in areas like art, news, science, and space.
