Denmark parliament has backed a controversial proposal to confiscate asylum seekers’ valuables to pay for their upkeep. Police will be able to seize valuables worth more than 1,340 euros from refugees to cover housing and food costs. MPs also approved plans to delay family reunions for asylum seekers.
A spokesman for UN chief Ban Ki-moon criticised the decision, saying refugees deserved compassion. The bill has been widely criticised by human rights groups. The government has said that the policy brings refugees in line with unemployed Danes, who also face having to sell assets above a certain level to claim benefits. Denmark received more than 21 thousands asylum seekers in 2015.