Denmark’s parliament is to begin debating a controversial plan to seize refugees’ valuables, with the bill widely expected to pass a January 26 vote after being backed by a majority of lawmakers.
The bill, proposed by Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s right-wing Venstre party, would allow Danish authorities to seize migrants’ cash exceeding 10,000 kroner (1,340 euros, $1,450), as well as any individual items valued at more than 10,000 kroner.
Wedding rings would be exempt, along with other items of sentimental value, such as engagement rings, family portraits and medals.
The government has faced a wave of criticism over its proposal, which had initially put the limit for migrants at 3,000 kroner.
It has since backtracked, and finally reached agreement with other parties in parliament on Tuesday to secure a majority for the vote.
— AFP
Illustrative photo of Middle Eastern migrants walking from southern Denmark towards Sweden, September 7, 2015. (AP/Polfoto, Per Rasmussen)
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