Danish Prime Minister advises Ukrainian evacuees to return and build the country

“Being a refugee is only temporary. You have to come back and help build the country when you get the chance. That allows us to help other refugees,” Sputnik quoted the Danish leader as saying on March 22.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Denmark, Mykhailo Vydoinyk, also suggested that displaced Ukrainians do not need to integrate into Danish society but should return to their homeland and help build the country when the time comes.

Danish Foreign Minister Mattias Tesfaye said the number of Ukrainians entering the country could exceed the 20,000 previously expected by officials.

Through a special mechanism, displaced Ukrainians are allowed to stay in Denmark for two years. During that time, they have the right to work, go to school, and get health care services.

However, this Danish approach has been criticized by human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW). The organization accuses Denmark of favoring Ukrainians over asylum seekers from other countries.

According to the organization, over the years, Denmark has been one of the tough European countries in establishing policies and laws that prevent people from other countries from applying for asylum. At one point, Denmark even announced a “no asylum” policy.

Russia has carried out a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24. According to United Nations statistics, more than 3.3 million Ukrainians have been evacuated to neighboring countries since the conflict broke out.