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POLICY TOPIC

Immigration & Integration

The number of residence permits reached an all-time high in 2024, driven by work and study immigration. Integration outcomes are improving, but the gender gap in refugee employment remains stark.

SUMMARY

The number of residence permits reached an all-time high in 2024, driven by work and study immigration. Integration outcomes are improving, but the gender gap in refugee employment remains stark. Residence permits and registrations (2024): 99,811 (Udlændingestyrelsen 2024). Male refugees in employment after 3 years: 71% (Integrationsbarometer 2024).

KEY FIGURES

99,811
Residence permits and registrations (2024)
71%
Male refugees in employment after 3 years
27%
Female refugees in employment after 3 years

See statistics in the charts below ↓

EVIDENCE BASE

A total of 99,811 residence permits and registration certificates were issued in 2024 -- the highest level on record. Work and study permits together account for nearly half.

Among refugees who have lived in Denmark for three years, 71% of men are in paid employment, compared with just 27% of women.

ESTABLISHED CONSENSUSIntegrationsbarometer 2024

The employment rate for non-Western immigrants (63%) is markedly lower than for people of Danish origin (79%). Socioeconomic background, education level and reason for migration explain much of the gap.

The link between immigration and crime is statistically complex; socioeconomic background and upbringing explain the vast majority of observed differences in crime rates.

STATISTICS AND DATA

Share of population with non-Western background (%)
0246810127.4 %8.2 %8.8 %9.2 %9.5 %20102014201820212024
CONTEXTThe chart shows the gradual rise in the share of people with a non-Western background (immigrants and their descendants) in Denmark. The increase reflects decades of immigration, refugee reception and family reunification. It is important to distinguish between "origin" and citizenship -- many in this group are fully integrated citizens or grew up in Denmark. The category "non-Western" is a statistical classification that encompasses highly diverse groups.
Employment rate (%) by origin -- ages 16-64 (2023)
Danish origin79 %Western background73 %Non-Western background63 %
CONTEXTThe employment rate measures the share of 16-64-year-olds in a group who are in employment. The 16 percentage-point gap between Danish origin and non-Western background is largely explained by socioeconomic factors: education level, age at arrival, reason for migration and the number of recent arrivals. Direct comparison without controlling for these factors gives an incomplete picture. For example, newly arrived refugees are automatically included in the "non-Western background" group, pulling the employment rate down.
Refugees in paid employment after 3 years in Denmark (%)
Male refugees (3 years)71 %Female refugees (3 years)27 %
CONTEXTThe chart shows a pronounced gender gap in refugee employment. After three years in Denmark, 71% of male refugees are in paid employment, compared with just 27% of female refugees -- a gap of 44 percentage points. The causes are complex and include language barriers, traditional gender roles, responsibility for children at home and access to childcare. Ukrainian refugees have a relatively high employment rate for both sexes. Differences in integration speed should be viewed in the context of the reason for arrival and total time in the country.

PARTY POSITIONS

Importance shows how central this topic is to each party's platform.

Important

Has pursued a strict line since 2019, including the "paradigm shift" that prioritises repatriation over integration. Combines tighter rules with demands for self-sufficiency.

Relevant

Wants stricter family reunification rules and higher requirements for language skills and financial self-support.

Core topic

Wants to halt what it calls mass immigration and reinstate permanent border controls.

Secondary

Wants to abolish the paradigm shift and treat asylum seekers more humanely and in line with international law.

Secondary

Draws a clear distinction between labour immigration, which it supports, and benefits-based immigration, which it wants sharply curtailed.

Secondary

Results-oriented: wants to judge policies by their actual integration outcomes rather than political signalling.

Relevant

Has backed most tightening measures and wants to strengthen requirements for cultural adaptation.

Secondary

Wants to close deportation centres, abolish the paradigm shift and strengthen the Refugee Appeals Board.

Relevant

Critical of Danish asylum policy and wants refugees assessed individually in accordance with international law.

Core topic

Wants to halt all non-Western immigration and repatriate those who have not integrated.

Secondary

Views integration as a shared responsibility and wants far greater investment in language training and employment programmes.

Important

Wants to reduce immigration substantially and restore Danish control over the borders.

SOURCES

[K1]Udlændingestyrelsen: Tal og fakta 2024: Der blev meddelt 99.811 opholdstilladelser og registreringsbeviser i 2024 – det …
[K2]Integrationsbarometer 2024: Blandt flygtninge der har opholdt sig i Danmark i 3 år er 71 % af mændene i lønm…
[K3]Danmarks Statistik, tabel RAS300: Beskæftigelsesgraden for ikke-vestlige indvandrere (63 %) er markant lavere end …
[K4]Rockwool Fondens Forskningsenhed: Sammenhængen mellem indvandring og kriminalitet er statistisk kompleks; socioøko…
[S1]Udlændingestyrelsen 2024: Opholdstilladelser og registreringsbeviser (2024): 99.811
[S2]Integrationsbarometer 2024: Flygtningemænd i beskæftigelse efter 3 år: 71 %
[S3]Integrationsbarometer 2024: Flygtningekvinder i beskæftigelse efter 3 år: 27 %
[P]DanPol: Party positions based on official party programmes and public statements.
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