RefugeesDanish police confiscate money, valuables from asylum seekers to pay for upkeep
Danish police have taken valuables from asylum seekers for the first time since a controversial law was passed in January, requiring that asylum seekers pay for part of their upkeep by surrendering cash, jewelry, and other valuables to Danish authorities. The law allows police to search asylum seekers on arrival in the country and confiscate any non-essential items worth more than 10,000 kroner, and which have no sentimental value to their owner.
Danish police have taken valuables from asylum seekers for the first time since a controversial law was passed in January, requiring that asylum seekers pay for part of their upkeep by surrendering cash, jewelry, and other valuables to Danish authorities.
The Local reports that Per Fiig, national police spokesman said the two men and three women carried dollars and euros worth about 129,600 kroner (£14,400). They were arrested late on Tuesday at Copenhagen’s airport for using forged passports.
Fiig said than when arrested, members of the group, aged between 26 and 35, immediately sought asylum.
The law allows police to search asylum seekers on arrival in the country and confiscate any non-essential items worth more than 10,000 kroner, and which have no sentimental value to their owner.
Denmark’s center-right government said the law was intended to cover each asylum seeker’s housing and food costs while their cases are being processed. The government noted that the law is similar to way the authorities deal with Danish citizens on welfare.
In 2015, Denmark received more than 21,000 asylum applications, a 44 percent jump from 2014.
