Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek has expressed concerns that study programs in Denmark are being exploited as a backdoor for foreign labor, bypassing established employment regulations. He specifically highlighted a significant increase in master’s students from Bangladesh at Roskilde University (RUC), prompting a call for closer scrutiny of the programs.

The minister’s statement comes amidst a broader political debate regarding the purpose of study schemes and whether they are being misused to bring foreign workers into the country under the guise of education. New data reveals that one in six newly admitted master’s students in 2024 at RUC are from Bangladesh, raising questions about the motivations behind their enrollment.

Dybvad Bek emphasized the importance of ensuring that schemes are used appropriately, stating that if an educational scheme is found to be functioning as an employment scheme, changes must be implemented. He referenced previous instances where the government closed two educational schemes due to similar concerns about exploitation, preventing students in non-state-approved programs from working alongside their studies and bringing working spouses to the country.

The minister acknowledged that while he is not yet deeply familiar with the situation at RUC, he believes the university should have the opportunity to provide its assessment. He also highlighted the role of agencies that recruit foreign students, suggesting they exploit loopholes in Danish legislation to bring individuals into the unskilled labor market under the pretense of being students.

The Liberal Alliance has called for a consultation on the matter when Parliament reconvenes after the summer. Dybvad Bek stated that while he welcomes foreign labor through proper channels, he believes the notion that many individuals make a considered choice to study in Denmark is a “naive dream from the 90s,” given the involvement of recruitment agencies.

RUC acknowledged the increasing interest from Bangladeshi applicants, stating that it is in continuous dialogue with the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science regarding the matter. The university did not have the opportunity to provide further comment.