Denmark's parliament is to vote on a bill that allows the confiscation of refugees' cash exceeding 10,000 kroner ($1,450), a move that has drawn international consternation. The bill, which politicians will vote on Tuesday and is expected to pass, has raised alarm among human rights organizations.
The Council of Europe, a human rights watchdog, said that the law could violate fundamental property rights, Al Jazeera reported. Some critics have made comparisons to Nazi Germany, which confiscated the goods of Jews during World War II.
However, Kristian Jensen, the Danish foreign minister, and Inger Stojberg, the immigration minister, argued on Monday, during a debate at the European Parliament, that the proposed law is fair and in line with the Danish welfare model and compatible with international rules.
"We ... think that it is fair and reasonable that those asylum seekers who do bring enough assets with them should cover the costs of their food and lodging during the asylum process," Stojberg said.
