Denmark passed a bill last month which will make it easier for foreign students to remain and work in the country, as part of a move to improve post-study work (PSW) provisions.

The government of Denmark has expanded the terms of the Finance Act, which will enable foreign students to stay in the country for a further two years after the completion of their studies.

It is hoped that this bill will encourage more international students in Denmark to remain in the country after their education and gain long-term employment with the PSW rights.

The government’s scheme will allow newly-qualified foreign students to apply for an “establishment card”.

This establishment card will then allow foreign students to remain in the country for an additional two years, and give them the opportunity to gain work experience and establish themselves in Denmark’s labour market.

Denmark PSW scheme now includes bachelors and professional degree graduates
The government has now decided to expand the scheme to include, in addition to graduates of Masters and PhD level degrees, international students undertaking bachelors and professional degrees.

In addition, the allotted two years post-study work can be extended further to three years, if students are applying for a job that is directly relevant to their study.

Foreign Affairs minister brands move ‘a huge gain for Denmark’
According to a Ministry of Immigration and Integration evaluation from March 2019, the scheme has, so far, primarily been used by students aged 24-34 from China, USA and India.

From 2015 to September 30 2018, 1194 residence permits were granted through this scheme.

Mattias Tesfaye, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integration, responded to this development  [translated from Danish as reported in DR]: “It is a huge gain for Denmark when people come here, pay for their education themselves and then stay and work in Denmark. But there are too few who stay. With this bill, we hope to have more people stay.

“It should make more foreigners want to find a job in Denmark.”

The Minister hopes that this will bring more skilled labour to the country’s market

“I think that we must have qualified manpower for the Danish companies. And here are some who in no way risk becoming part of social dumping.

“It is a group that is doing amazingly well in Danish society. I do this with open eyes and believe that it can find broad support in the Parliament.”