Denmark’s population has reached six million, fueled by immigration and the descendants of immigrants. This milestone highlights the increasing diversity within the country, with projections indicating that one in six residents will soon have non-Danish origins. Approximately one-third of these immigrants and their descendants originate from Western nations.

The influx of guest workers in the late 1960s, invited by Danish employers and the state, marked a significant shift. Initially, Spanish slaughterhouse workers were recruited to support Denmark’s economic growth, followed by workers from Turkey, Yugoslavia, and Pakistan. By 1970, the number of foreign workers in Denmark had reached 20,000. The trade union LO became involved in the debate on guest workers, primarily framing immigration as a labor market issue. Employers initially viewed guest workers as a temporary labor reserve that could be deported when no longer needed.

However, the oil crisis in the 1980s led to rising unemployment, and the guest workers did not return home. This prompted discussions on regulating immigration policy and addressing the needs of those who had settled in Denmark. The initial focus was on integrating guest workers, with debates centered on whether society or individuals bore the responsibility for successful integration. In 1983, an immigration law was passed, significantly improving the legal standing of asylum seekers. Increased refugee numbers and global events like the Vietnam War shifted the focus to humanitarian concerns, human rights, and international conventions.

Political parties gradually formulated distinct positions on immigration. The far left advocated for the right to asylum and a multicultural integration policy. The Social Democratic Party faced internal divisions, torn between rights-based integration approaches and concerns about immigrant concentration in certain areas. Vibeke Storm Rasmussen, a county mayor, experienced backlash for a report on the consequences of immigration that was later leaked to the press.

The Liberal Party (Venstre), in contrast, consistently advocated for a restrictive access policy and temporary protection for immigrants, emphasizing individual responsibility for integration. In 2001, Venstre, led by Anders Fogh, won the election on a platform of “a firm and fair immigration policy,” marking the first election where immigration was a central issue. This led to the establishment of an integration ministry and a more restrictive approach to obtaining residency and citizenship.

Despite efforts to limit immigration, the number of foreigners in Denmark has continued to rise, largely due to labor immigration. This has led to a “dualized immigration policy,” limiting refugees and spontaneous immigration while allowing desired types of immigration. Concerns about labor shortages and integration challenges have reignited the debate, mirroring the discussions of the 1960s. Business organizations are calling for more foreign labor, while local officials in western suburbs express concerns about reception classes and language difficulties.