A growing number of students from Bangladesh are allegedly using Danish student visas as a backdoor to enter the Danish labor market, sparking debate and raising concerns about the purpose of education schemes. According to a recent analysis, the number of employees from Bangladesh has significantly increased in the past two years.

The influx of Bangladeshi students is particularly noticeable at Roskilde University (RUC), where a significant portion of new master’s students come from Bangladesh. This trend has prompted discussions about whether student visas are being misused to circumvent immigration rules.

Nishith Datta, a Bangladeshi student at the University of Southern Denmark, admits that many students primarily seek access to the Danish labor market rather than focusing solely on their studies. He acknowledges that the opportunity to work while studying, along with the ability for spouses to work without restrictions, makes Denmark an attractive destination.

Datta also highlights the role of agencies that exploit aspiring students by promising work opportunities in Denmark in exchange for large fees. He claims that these agencies often target vulnerable individuals and may even withhold passports and study documents.

Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek has expressed concerns that the education scheme is being misused as an employment scheme. He emphasized that the primary purpose of a student visa should be studying and not simply gaining access to the labor market.

Datta responds to the criticism as hypocritical by stating that the universities benefit financially from international students. He suggests that limiting the number of study places for students from Bangladesh would be a more effective solution.

Danish Universities, the cooperation organization of the eight Danish universities, refutes the claim of financial gain, asserting that tuition fees primarily cover teaching and guidance costs.

Minister Bek stated that he is open to changing the rules for state education programs if it becomes clear that agencies are exploiting the system. He intends to consult with the involved institutions before making any decisions.