Denmark is planning to enforce some new rules for work permits for foreign students. Many students were violating the laws of their student residence permits. The Danish government alleged that international students, particularly those from Nepal, often used student visas mainly to work low-paid jobs, which had a significant impact on Denmark’s job market.

Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek announced the changes after police and trade unions reported growing misuse. Experts have warned that allowing foreign students to enter Denmark's job market freely hurts local workers. Hiring students with lower pay weakens salary standards and creates unfair competition.

Union leaders and labor officials have shown concern about these practices. They think these practices put Danish workers' rights at risk. They stated that enforcing fair working conditions has become harder.
 

Minister Bek announced two key initiatives targeting visa misuse:

• Students enrolling in unofficial educational programs will lose their automatic rights to employment in Denmark.

• Spouses of these students will no longer receive work permits automatically based on their partner’s student status.

These measures specifically target programs identified as problematic, without adversely affecting genuine students attending officially recognized universities.

Denmark’s new policies could impact immigration and student visa policies across Europe. By tackling specific abuses, Denmark sets an example for countries facing similar issues, such as Germany and Sweden.
 

These key changes to rules can also force Schengen countries to strengthen rules and improve implementation for international students.