Denmark immigration law: A sign of things to come?

Danish MPs have passed a controversial law allowing the seizure of assets from refugees.

The Nordic state is not the first European country to tighten controls on refugees.

But the new Danish immigration law may be a sign of the darkening mood towards refugee arrivals.

The law allows the seizure of refugees’ assets to help pay for their stay. Among other things, it also prevents families being reunited for three years.

Danish politicians say the law is being misunderstood. They argue that, in a welfare state, everyone has to use up their own resources first before claiming benefits.

READ MORE: Ai Weiwei closes Denmark exhibition over refugee law

Critics say the law, and similar measures being taken in other countries, are designed to deter new arrivals – and could heighten tension and xenophobia in some communities.

So is this the new reality for migrants and refugees trying to settle in Europe?

And with governments hardening their positions, who will care for those most in need?

Presenter: Peter Dobbie

Guests:

Ramazan Salman – Director of the help group Migrants for Migrants

Nando Sigona – Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham and specialist on the refugee and migration crisis

Irene Zugasti – Co-author of the Politheor report: ‘Civil Society Responses to the Refugee Crisis’