Tactile Games, a Danish mobile game developer, is grappling with increasing difficulties in obtaining work visas for its international employees, potentially jeopardizing its presence in Denmark. The company, which boasts a diverse workforce representing 50 nationalities, relies heavily on foreign talent. CEO Asbjørn Malte Søndergaard warns that if hiring qualified labor from abroad remains challenging, the company may relocate its headquarters.
The issue stems from stricter enforcement of salary thresholds and slower processing times by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Tactile Games believes that SIRI’s assessment of “usual” salaries is flawed due to the specialized nature of the positions they offer, leading to rejected visa applications even when salaries exceed the politically determined minimum. Søndergaard cites instances where experienced employees were forced to leave the country because SIRI deemed their salaries insufficient upon visa renewal.
The company also reports a significant slowdown in case processing, particularly for Turkish employees, despite having access to a fast-track scheme. This contrasts with the government’s stated aim of facilitating foreign labor, leading Søndergaard to strongly refute any claims that the current administration has made it easier to hire from abroad.
In response, Minister for Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad Bek, rejects the notion that the government is against foreign labor, citing record numbers of foreigners in employment. He emphasizes the importance of controlled immigration under orderly pay and working conditions. SIRI maintains that it assesses each application individually to ensure fair Danish employment conditions, using salary statistics as a guideline. They acknowledge longer processing times for applications covered by the association agreement with Turkey due to resource constraints.
Despite these challenges, employees from countries like Spain and Turkey value the improved work-life balance and opportunities in Denmark. These international employees also find the Danish culture welcoming and appreciate the emphasis on social solidarity reflected in the tax system. One employee, Felipe Fernández, whose wife is expecting their first child, plans to name him Esben, showcasing their integration into Danish society.