The government has decided to expand the list of exemptions from the controversial work duty, now including children of diplomats and children born to surrogate mothers. This decision comes after significant criticism of the policy and its potential impact on various groups.

Minister for Employment Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen announced the changes in a response to the Danish Parliament. The initial plan for work duty in cases of unemployment has faced considerable backlash.

The controversy was fueled by the initial inclusion of adopted children in the work duty requirements. This led to concerns that these individuals would feel less Danish. The Minister later apologized and moved to exempt adopted children.

It subsequently became apparent that other groups with strong connections to Denmark would also be affected, such as children of diplomats stationed abroad. The Moderates party advocated for the exemption of diplomat’s children from the beginning.