From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Aspiring Danes in long and agonising slog to citizenship
Syrians face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval.
In brief
Syrians face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval. Syrians like Ahmad Albokie face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Ahmad Albokie's citizenship struggle
Syrian technician Ahmad Albokie faces long delays in Danish citizenship due to parliamentary approval.
“We wait, we wait, we wait. It’s been going on for years”
Two-year citizenship process
Denmark’s naturalisation typically takes two years but is delayed by parliamentary elections.
Albokie's application hurdles
Albokie cleared employment, residence, criminal record, and language requirements before applying.
2025 parliamentary delay
Albokie’s name was set for October 2025 but postponed to January 2026 due to EU presidency.
Election impact
Parliamentary elections dropped Albokie’s case after the prime minister called for elections.
Jouli's citizenship deadline
Jouli, 17, must obtain citizenship before her 18th birthday or restart the process alone.
Left-wing reform push
Left-wing MP Peder Hvelplund calls the process 'Kafkaesque' and wants reforms to speed up citizenship.
Government reform plans
Denmark plans additional screenings for citizenship to ensure alignment with national values.
Second-class citizen feeling
Over 2,000 people feel like second-class citizens while waiting for citizenship decisions.
“I feel very disappointed and not really welcome. It’s as if I were a second-class citizen”
What to remember
Syrians like Ahmad Albokie face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval.
