Denmark to Deport All Criminal Foreign Nationals

Raphael Nnadi

January 30, 2026
3:15 pm

Denmark’s government has unveiled a sweeping expulsion reform that will deport foreign nationals sentenced to one year or more in prison, regardless of their ties to the country. The reform includes GPS ankle monitors for those awaiting deportation and the reopening of Denmark’s embassy in Syria to facilitate returns of Syrian nationals.

Stricter Deportation Rules Take Effect

The Danish government presented its new expulsion reform at a press conference in the Mirror Hall at the Prime Minister’s Office. The reform marks a significant shift in how Denmark handles criminal foreign nationals.

According to the reform, all foreign nationals who receive a sentence of one year or more of unconditional imprisonment will be deported. This applies regardless of how long they have lived in Denmark or whether they have family connections in the country.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the reform targets those who ruin things for everyone else. The government is taking this step even though it may conflict with current interpretations of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The European Court of Human Rights currently prevents Denmark from deporting certain individuals based on their personal circumstances. However, Denmark plans to proceed with the stricter deportations while working to change the court’s interpretation of the convention.

Immigration and Integration Minister Rasmus Stoklund expressed pride that Denmark is leading the way on this issue. He noted that some experts might believe Denmark is breaking the convention, but the government sees it differently.

GPS Ankle Monitors for Deportation Cases

The reform introduces new restrictions for criminal foreign nationals awaiting deportation. Those who fail to comply with their reporting requirements will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor for one year.

Frederiksen explained that this measure will ensure authorities can track movements and intervene when rules are broken. Reporting requirements at deportation centers have already been tightened. As of January 1, rejected asylum seekers and foreign nationals under deportation orders must report daily, up from three times per week previously.

If a criminal foreign national removes their ankle monitor or refuses to wear it, they face additional prison time. The government believes these measures will help maintain better control over individuals awaiting deportation.

Concerns from Deportation Center Neighbors

Neighbors near the Kærshovedgård deportation center in Bording near Ikast have long complained about feeling unsafe due to criminal residents at the facility. In fact, these concerns prompted the government to create a compensation scheme in 2023.

Property owners living within one kilometer of the deportation center can apply for a payment of 150,000 kroner. Those living within 500 meters can even request that the Immigration Service purchase their property.

Frederiksen acknowledged the difficulties faced by neighbors, stating that the government understands the costs are significant. As a result, the government is tightening the rules even further.

Reopening Denmark’s Embassy in Syria

The government announced plans to reopen Denmark’s embassy in Syria. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the reopening will allow Denmark to better influence developments in Syria in a positive direction.

The government also aims to increase cooperation with Syria’s transitional government on forced returns. Denmark closed its Syrian embassy in 2012 when the country’s civil war intensified, but kept the premises for potential future use.

In November of last year, Løkke Rasmussen visited Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani in Damascus. The trip aimed to emphasize that Syria must accept rejected asylum seekers and criminal Syrian citizens.

Special Ambassador for Deportations

To manage the increased deportation efforts, the government plans to appoint a dedicated deportation ambassador. This position will focus specifically on handling deportation cases and coordinating with other countries.

The creation of this role underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that deportation orders are actually carried out. Many foreign nationals under deportation orders remain in Denmark because their home countries refuse to accept them or because travel documents cannot be obtained.

Legal and Political Implications

The reform represents one of the most aggressive approaches to deportation in recent Danish history. Previous governments have faced limitations due to European human rights law, particularly regarding individuals with strong ties to Denmark.

Denmark has gathered support from other European countries to push for changes in how human rights conventions are interpreted. In December 2025, 27 of 46 Council of Europe member states backed Denmark’s call for reinterpreting Articles 3 and 8 of the Human Rights Convention.

These articles address deportation to countries where individuals might face torture or inhuman treatment, and the right to private and family life. By challenging current interpretations, Denmark hopes to gain more flexibility in deporting criminals.

Interestingly, the government acknowledges the legal risks involved. If the European Court of Human Rights does not change its interpretation and rules against Denmark, the country will need to comply with those decisions.

Impact on Foreign Residents

The reform will affect hundreds of foreign nationals living in Denmark. Research from the Rockwool Foundation indicates that several hundred individuals could have been deported under this framework based on historical conviction data from 2000 to 2021.

The new rules apply to anyone receiving a sentence of one year or more, regardless of the type of crime. This includes offenses ranging from serious assault to drug trafficking. Previously, individuals with long residence periods or Danish family members often avoided deportation even after serious criminal convictions.

For those seeking legal guidance on immigration matters, immigration lawyers can provide assistance navigating Denmark’s complex rules. However, the new reform leaves little room for exceptions once a qualifying sentence is handed down.

Next Steps and Implementation

The government will now work to implement the reform through legislation. While the exact timeline remains unclear, the government’s strong backing suggests swift action. The reopening of the Syrian embassy will proceed as part of this broader strategy.

Meanwhile, authorities will begin preparing to use GPS ankle monitors for those awaiting deportation who fail to meet reporting requirements. The deportation ambassador position will be filled to coordinate these efforts across multiple government agencies.

Obviously, this reform represents a major shift in Danish immigration policy. The government’s willingness to proceed despite potential conflicts with European human rights law demonstrates the political priority placed on deporting criminal foreign nationals. Whether other European countries follow Denmark’s lead remains to be seen.