Asylum-seekers admitted to Denmark pending the consideration of their permanent status are sent initially to stay in a converted open army base north of Copenhagen at Sandholm. Although the asylum-seekers are not incarcerated, the Danish authorities withhold monthly cash allowances from those who do not co-operate with the system.
They are detained only if they have been involved in illegal entry or give clear signs to the police that they may go to ground during the course of their appeals. After a short period, they are moved to other residential centres around the country run on behalf of the Immigration Service by the Danish Red Cross.
In 1999, Denmark received 6,470 applications for asylum - up 13 per cent on 1998.
The asylum issue is controversial and was central to local elections in 1998, after which parliament passed legislation related to integration policy. The debate, say refugee advocates, was xenophobic and hostile and has particularly benefited the small but strongly anti-foreigner People's Party, which is affiliated to Fianna Fail's group in the European Parliament.
As a result of changes in the law, asylum-seekers will have to substantiate an individual fear of persecution to be granted refugee status. No longer will generally poor conditions, including civil war in countries of origin, constitute grounds for such status. The law restricts family reunification and extends the time to acquire permanent residence permits from 18 months to three years.
To qualify for a permanent residence permit, a refugee now must not be in debt to the state by more than 50,000 Danish crowns or have committed a serious crime. In addition, refugees must successfully complete an "integration" programme familiarising them with the Danish language and culture.
Foreigners, including recognised refugees, may now be expelled after serving a prison sentence of four or more years. The act expanded the list of crimes for which an alien could face expulsion.
Local municipalities also receive asylum-seekers according to a quota system. Financial assistance during the integration period is limited to 80 per cent of equivalent social benefits given to Danish citizens, a measure hotly disputed by the UNHCR, which is reviewing whether the legislation is compatible with the Geneva Convention.