New Law Immigrant Valuables To Be Seized By Police

The new measures, will delay family reunions by increasing the waiting period from one to up to three years, had cross-party support and passed with an overwhelming majority.

Under the new measures in Denmark, valuables worth more than about £1,000 will be seized by police as migrants enter the country to help cover their housing and food costs.

After considerable uproar Parliament clarified that jewellery, including wedding rings, and other sentimental possessions would not be taken.

Denmark's parliament has voted in favour of seizing the assets of asylum seekers to help pay for their stay while their claims are processed.

The controversial law is part of a package of immigration reforms designed to make the country less appealing for migrants.

The UN and other human rights organisations have condemned the legislation, saying it breaks international laws on refugees.

Critics said separating families was inhumane and would severely affect integration efforts.

However, the Danish government claimed the measures have been "terribly misunderstood".

It argued that Danes who want to qualify for social benefits may also have to sell their valuables.

Government spokesman Marcus Knuth said: "This misconception that Danish authorities would take personal valuables and so on is so, so wrong.

Denmark received 21,300 asylum-seekers, one of the highest rates per capita in the EU, last year.