Denmark has unveiled a groundbreaking agreement to tackle its labor shortage in the social care sector by opening doors to foreign workers. The collaboration with a parliamentary majority expands the positive list scheme, simplifying the process for foreign workers, particularly care workers, to obtain permits.
Acknowledging the need for more foreign talent, Health and Interior Minister Sophie Løhde emphasized the hurdles skilled foreign medical professionals face due to existing regulations. Proposed changes aim to speed up the recruitment of foreign doctors and nurses by streamlining the authorization process, introducing a shortcut that runs concurrently with other steps.
While addressing recruitment challenges, the immigration minister clarified that the agreement doesn’t signal a relaxation of immigration policy. Denmark seeks to attract foreign workers to meet the growing demands of its health system.
The average salary in Denmark, currently around 47,000 DKK (7,000 USD), plays a vital role in making the country an attractive destination. With no fixed minimum wage, Denmark relies on collective labor market agreements to determine salary levels. These developments mark a significant step toward addressing workforce shortages and ensuring the nation’s continued prosperity.
