World

Denmark Approves Law To Seize Refugees' Assets And Valuables

The bill gives local authorities the right to seize refugees' cash and assets worth more than 10,000 kroners (about $1,450) to pay for their stay.

Denmark Approves Law To Seize Refugees' Assets And Valuables
Getty Images / Sean Gallup
SMS

Denmark might now be a less attractive destination for refugees. (Video via United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

A controversial law dubbed the "jewelry bill" passed Tuesday. (Video via Danish Parliament)

The bill gives local authorities the right to seize cash and assets worth more than 10,000 kroners (about $1,450) from refugees to pay for their stay in the country. (Video via Danish Parliament)

The law does not apply to sentimental valuables, like wedding rings, family portraits and medals of honor. (Video via United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

Denmark isn't the only country seizing valuables from asylum-seekers.

Switzerland requires refugees to hand over assets worth about $980 or more. Like Denmark, sentimental items are exempt. (Video via Swiss Parliament)

The Netherlands and parts of Germany also have similar laws. (Video via Phoenix)

This video includes images from Getty Images and music from Chris Zabriskie / CC BY 4.0.