Denmark is facing a significant labor shortage, resulting in tens of thousands of unfilled positions, a problem projected to worsen due to demographic shifts with fewer young people and an aging population. This shortage poses challenges for businesses and the welfare system as they struggle to find qualified candidates.

To address this, Denmark needs to explore initiatives that can increase the domestic labor supply while also focusing on attracting workers from abroad. While international colleagues from neighboring countries have been a valuable source of labor, shrinking working-age populations in those EU countries necessitate looking further afield.

Peter Halkjær, Head of Labor Market at Dansk Erhverv (Danish Chamber of Commerce), emphasizes that international employees are essential, including those from MENAPT countries, as long as they possess sought-after skills and contribute positively to the economy. He argues that most people arriving in Denmark from MENAPT countries are now active in the labor market, supporting themselves and contributing to society. Halkjær also questions how the current and future labor shortages can be alleviated if recruitment opportunities from surrounding countries are limited.