Danish farmers face police action over wage violations affecting foreign interns

Danish authorities have uncovered significant wage discrepancies affecting foreign agricultural interns, with over half of the sampled cases showing violations. The findings have prompted police reports against both interns and their employers, alongside the revocation of some residence permits.

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It is outrageous and frankly shocking that so many farmers cannot figure out how to follow the collective agreements that apply in the area.

In a spot check involving 181 cases, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) identified issues such as illegal deductions for food and lodging from interns' wages and non-compliance with holiday pay regulations. "It is outrageous and frankly shocking that so many farmers cannot figure out how to follow the collective agreements that apply in the area," stated Minister for Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov.

As a consequence, 12 foreign interns and 12 host farmers have been reported to the police. SIRI has also revoked 19 residence permits so far, with an additional 57 cases pending. The agency plans to intensify its controls and review all relevant cases.

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The figures the minister has briefed me on are completely unacceptable.

The agricultural sector's employer organization, GLS-A, described the reported figures as "completely unacceptable" while awaiting further details. The current internship program allows young foreigners to stay in Denmark for up to 18 months. However, the findings come as the government considers changes to the program, with a stated commitment to ensuring fair wages and working conditions for foreign interns. "We will not tolerate cheating and deception," Minister Bødskov emphasized.

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We will not tolerate cheating and deception. The foreign agricultural interns who come here must, of course, be here on decent wages and working conditions.