This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35406436
The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| Denmark approves controversial migrant assets bill | Denmark approves controversial migrant assets bill |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The Danish parliament has backed a controversial proposal to confiscate asylum seekers' valuables to pay for their upkeep. | The Danish parliament has backed a controversial proposal to confiscate asylum seekers' valuables to pay for their upkeep. |
| Denmark says the policy brings migrants in line with jobless Danes, who must sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits. | Denmark says the policy brings migrants in line with jobless Danes, who must sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits. |
| MPs also backed plans to delay family reunions for asylum seekers. | MPs also backed plans to delay family reunions for asylum seekers. |
| The bill was expected to be approved even though it had been criticised by human rights groups. | |
| Under the new law, refugees entering the country will only be allowed to keep possessions up to a value of about 10,000 kroner (1,340 euros; £1,000) - a figure raised from 3,000 kroner following objections. | Under the new law, refugees entering the country will only be allowed to keep possessions up to a value of about 10,000 kroner (1,340 euros; £1,000) - a figure raised from 3,000 kroner following objections. |
| Items of sentimental value, such as wedding rings, will be exempt. | Items of sentimental value, such as wedding rings, will be exempt. |
| Migrants feel chill of tighter borders | |
| Europe's migrant crisis | |
| The new law also means the period that migrants will have to wait before applying for relatives to join them will be extended from one year to three. | |
| Temporary residence permits will be shortened and the conditions for obtaining a permanent permit will be restricted. | |
| MPs approved the measures by an overwhelming majority following a lengthy, and at times angry, debate. The centre-left opposition Social Democrats were among those who voted in favour. | |
| The UN refugee agency and the European Commission had criticised the proposals. | The UN refugee agency and the European Commission had criticised the proposals. |
| Speaking before the vote, UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva the measures would cause hardship and harm. | |
| "The decision to give Danish police the authority to search and confiscate valuables from asylum seekers sends damaging messages in our view," he said. | |
| "It runs the risk of fuelling sentiments of fear and discrimination rather than promoting solidarity with people in need of protection." | |
| Where Europe is failing on migrants |