Denmark’s Expanded Powers to Revoke Citizenship from ISIS-Affiliated Dual Nationals

Key Takeaways

• Since 2019, Denmark revokes citizenship of dual nationals linked to ISIS without court approval.
• Citizenship appeals must be filed within four weeks after revocation decisions.
• Denmark’s citizenship process averages 19 years, with parliamentary approval and value assessments.

Denmark’s Tough Citizenship Revocation Laws: How the Danish Government Targets Dual Nationals Linked to Terrorism

The Danish government has taken a strong stance on national security by using its legal powers to strip citizenship from dual nationals who are seen as threats to the country. This move, especially when it involves leaders of Islamic organizations or people linked to terrorist groups like ISIS, has sparked debate both inside Denmark and internationally. The government’s actions raise important questions about fairness, integration, and the rights of minorities in one of Europe’s most secular societies.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Since 2019, the Danish government has had the authority to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals who are believed to have acted against Denmark’s vital interests. This power is mainly used against people who have joined terrorist groups abroad, especially ISIS. The law allows the government to act quickly, without waiting for a court decision, and is part of a wider effort to keep Denmark 🇩🇰 safe from terrorism.

While there hasn’t been a recent case involving the leader of an Islamic organization losing citizenship, the Danish government’s approach continues to affect individuals and communities, especially those with ties to Islamic organizations. The policy is part of a larger trend in Denmark toward stricter immigration and integration rules.

How the Citizenship Revocation Process Works

The Danish government’s citizenship revocation process is clear but strict. Here’s how it works:

• Who can be affected: Only dual nationals—people who have citizenship in Denmark and another country—can lose their Danish citizenship. This is to avoid making anyone stateless, which is against international law.
• Reason for revocation: The person must have acted in a way that is “seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the state.” This usually means joining or supporting terrorist groups like ISIS.
• No court needed: The government can make this decision without a court ruling. This is different from the old system, where a judge had to be involved.
• Right to appeal: Anyone who loses their citizenship has four weeks to appeal the decision.
• No consular help: Since 2019, Denmark has also refused to help citizens who traveled abroad to join ISIS, leaving them without support from Danish embassies or consulates.

This process is designed to be fast and decisive, which supporters say is necessary to protect the country. However, critics worry that it gives too much power to the government and could lead to mistakes or unfair treatment.

First Cases and Real-Life Impact

The first time Denmark used this law was in November 2019. Two dual nationals who had joined ISIS in Syria lost their Danish citizenship. The government did not share their names, but Danish media reported that one was a 25-year-old man with both Turkish and Danish citizenship. He had left Denmark at age 19 to join ISIS.

These cases show how the law works in practice and highlight the real-life consequences for those involved. Losing citizenship means losing the right to live in Denmark, access to public services, and the ability to return home.

A Broader Shift: Denmark’s Tougher Immigration and Integration Policies

The Danish government’s citizenship revocation powers are just one part of a much larger shift toward stricter immigration and integration rules. Over the past decade, Denmark has introduced several new policies that make it harder for immigrants and their children to become full members of Danish society.

Children of Foreign Fighters

In March 2019, Denmark announced that children born abroad to Danish citizens who joined jihadist groups would not be given Danish citizenship. Immigration Minister Inger Støjberg said, “As their parents have turned their back on Denmark, there is no reason for the children to become Danish citizens.” This policy was criticized by UNICEF Denmark, which warned that it could punish children for their parents’ actions and might break international agreements on children’s rights.

Strict Citizenship Application Process

Denmark is known for having one of the toughest citizenship application processes in Europe. Here’s what makes it so difficult:

• Long wait: On average, it takes 19 years to be approved for Danish citizenship.
• Twice-yearly lists: The government publishes a list of people who have met all the requirements only twice a year.
• Parliamentary approval: Every person on the list must be approved by a vote in the Danish parliament.
• Special committee: A 17-member committee from different political parties handles special cases.

In December 2024, the Danish government set up an expert group to check if applicants truly share “Danish values.” This came after the parliament’s citizenship committee called in three applicants for interviews about things they had posted on social media, including their views on Sharia law and democracy. One person was approved right away, while the other two were approved after appeals.

Handshake Requirement

In 2018, Denmark added a new rule: everyone becoming a Danish citizen must shake hands during the naturalization ceremony. This rule has been criticized for targeting Muslim immigrants, as some Muslims (and some Jewish groups) avoid physical contact with the opposite sex for religious reasons. Supporters say the handshake is a sign of respect for Danish culture and values.

Religious and Cultural Context in Denmark

To understand why these policies matter, it’s important to look at Denmark’s religious and cultural background:

• Secular society: Denmark is one of the most secular countries in Europe, even though it has an official national church.
• Church membership: As of 2024, about 71.2% of Danes belong to the Church of Denmark, but only 3% go to church regularly.
• Muslim minority: Muslims make up about 4.4% of the population, making Islam the second-largest religion in Denmark.
• Religion’s role: Only 19% of Danes say religion is an important part of their lives.

This secular culture can make it hard for religious minorities, especially Muslims, to feel included. Many Danes see their country as Christian but not very religious, which leaves little room for other faiths in public life.

Political Tensions and Anti-Islam Sentiment

Denmark’s strict approach to citizenship and immigration is also shaped by political tensions over Islam and immigration:

• Far-right parties: Groups like Stram Kurs (“Hard Line”) have gained attention with anti-Islam messages. In April 2019, Stram Kurs held protests where the Quran was thrown and burned, leading to riots in Copenhagen.
• Danish People’s Party: This party has pushed for tougher immigration rules and stricter citizenship requirements.
• Ban on foreign donations: In 2021, Denmark banned “antidemocratic donations” from abroad, aiming to stop extremist groups from influencing Muslims in Denmark.

These political moves show how concerns about security and national identity are driving policy changes.

Expert Opinions and Human Rights Concerns

The Danish government’s citizenship revocation powers have sparked debate among experts, human rights groups, and community leaders.

Critics’ Concerns

• Two-tiered citizenship: Critics argue that these laws create a system where dual nationals are treated differently from those with only Danish citizenship. This can make some people feel less secure or less welcome in Denmark.
• Risk of statelessness: While the law tries to avoid making anyone stateless, mistakes can happen, and some people could end up without any citizenship.
• Human rights: Groups like the Danish Institute for Human Rights warn that the long and difficult citizenship process makes it hard for immigrants to fully join Danish society. They also worry that revoking citizenship without a court ruling could break international human rights standards.

Supporters’ Arguments

• National security: Supporters say these measures are needed to protect Denmark from people who have shown they are willing to harm the country by joining terrorist groups.
• Clear message: The laws send a strong message that Denmark will not tolerate support for terrorism.
• International support: Many countries, including Muslim-majority ones, have condemned groups like ISIS, so the Danish government’s actions are in line with global efforts to fight terrorism.

Impact on Stakeholders

These policies have real effects on different groups:

• Dual nationals: People with two citizenships face more risk of losing their Danish citizenship if accused of supporting terrorism.
• Immigrants and their children: The strict rules make it harder for immigrants and their children to become Danish citizens, even if they have lived in Denmark for many years.
• Religious minorities: Muslims and other religious minorities may feel singled out or unwelcome because of rules like the handshake requirement or the focus on Islamic organizations.
• Danish society: The debate over citizenship and integration affects how Danes see themselves and their country’s future.

International Comparisons and European Trends

Denmark’s approach is part of a wider trend in Europe, where many countries have tightened citizenship and immigration rules in response to terrorism and migration crises. However, Denmark’s laws are among the strictest, especially when it comes to revoking citizenship without a court decision.

Other European countries, like the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and France 🇫🇷, have also introduced laws to strip citizenship from people linked to terrorism, but they usually require a court process. Denmark’s administrative approach is seen as faster but riskier in terms of protecting individual rights.

Legal and Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals

If you are a dual national in Denmark and worried about citizenship revocation, here’s what you should know:

• Know your rights: If you receive a notice that your citizenship is being revoked, you have four weeks to appeal. It’s important to seek legal help right away.
• Stay informed: Keep up to date with changes in Danish law and government policy. The official Danish Immigration Service website provides information on citizenship, appeals, and legal rights.
• Document your case: If you are applying for citizenship or facing questions about your background, keep records of your application, interviews, and any communication with authorities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denmark’s Citizenship Policies?

The Danish government shows no sign of relaxing its tough stance on citizenship and integration. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Denmark continues to review and update its policies to address new security threats and social changes. The focus on “Danish values” and the strict approval process suggest that becoming a Danish citizen will remain a long and difficult journey for many.

At the same time, debates over fairness, human rights, and the treatment of minorities are likely to continue. Denmark’s experience offers important lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Denmark’s citizenship revocation laws target dual nationals linked to terrorism, especially those involved with ISIS or Islamic organizations seen as threats.
• The process is administrative, fast, and does not require a court ruling, but individuals have the right to appeal within four weeks.
• Denmark’s broader immigration and integration policies are among the strictest in Europe, with a long and difficult path to citizenship.
• Political tensions and concerns about national identity shape these policies, often affecting religious minorities and immigrants.
• If you are affected, seek legal advice and use official resources to protect your rights.

For more information on citizenship rules, appeals, and legal rights in Denmark, visit the official Danish Immigration Service website.

Denmark’s approach to citizenship revocation and integration reflects a deep concern for security and national identity, but it also raises important questions about fairness and inclusion in a changing Europe. As these debates continue, it’s crucial for everyone—immigrants, policymakers, and the wider public—to stay informed and engaged.

Learn Today

Dual Nationals → Individuals holding citizenship in Denmark and another country simultaneously.
Citizenship Revocation → The legal process of stripping a person of their citizenship rights.
ISIS → A designated terrorist group involved in global extremism and violence.
Naturalization Ceremony → An official event where new citizens take an oath and fulfill legal requirements.
Appeal → A formal request to review and change a government decision.

This Article in a Nutshell

Denmark swiftly revokes citizenship from dual nationals tied to terrorism, especially ISIS members. Appeals are allowed within four weeks. These tough laws reflect Denmark’s strict immigration approach amid political tensions and raise concerns about fairness and minority rights in this secular European society.
— By VisaVerge.com