Denmark will launch a new scheme next month to renew residence permits for students in fields facing labor shortages when their previous permits expire.
The primary goal is to retain talent and prevent exacerbating labor shortages, according to Schengen News.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) stated that the scheme allows foreign students in high-demand professions to continue living and studying in Denmark even after their initial permits expire.
This initiative permits foreign nationals, whose residence grounds have lapsed and who are studying in areas with labor shortages, to extend their stay and education in Denmark.
The scheme, effective from July 1, 2024, targets individuals whose residence permits expired between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2024. It also includes foreigners previously enrolled in education programs for currently in-demand professions who had to leave Denmark due to expired residence rights.
SIRI emphasized that the scheme applies to those whose residence permits were denied extension, revoked, or expired under EU rules between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2024.
Foreign nationals granted residence under this new scheme can stay in Denmark for up to six months after completing their studies. During this period, they can seek employment and, if successful, may extend their stay in the country.
While SIRI has not specified the professions facing shortages, it is believed that the focus is on retaining highly educated, trained, and skilled workers.
Further details are expected to be provided before the scheme's official implementation.