# Aspiring Danes in long and agonising slog to citizenship

> Syrians face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval.
- Title: Aspiring Danes in long and agonising slog to citizenship
- Summary: Syrians face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval. Syrians like Ahmad Albokie face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark…
- Keywords: denmark, citizenship, syrian, parliamentary, naturalisation, denmark citizenship, ahmad albokie, jouli, news, world, Aspiring, Danes
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/15/aspiring-danes-in-long-and-agonising-slog-to-citizenship-we-wait-we-wait-we-wait/239092
- Published: 2026-10-15T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: denmark, citizenship, syrian, parliamentary, naturalisation, denmark citizenship, ahmad albokie, jouli, news, world
## 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
## Key takeaway

Syrians like Ahmad Albokie face years-long citizenship delays in Denmark due to parliamentary approval.