Expats in Denmark are true pioneers

All Expats, around the world, meet their share of administrative labyrinths, culture clashes, and other relocation difficulties. For Expats moving to Denmark, the issues of tax administration, international schools, a homogenous society, and not least language, are well known. But unlike the US, Canada, Japan, and many of our European counterparts, Denmark has only recently become Expat country.

One reason is that the debate on immigration policy (not surprisingly termed “integration policy” in Denmark) has, throughout the last 20 years, and in accordance with the terminology, been focussed on the integration of asylum seekers, refugees, family reunifications into Danish society and culture. Very few Danes realise the potential of, need for, or existance of a vibrant Expat community. In fact, most Danes (including the political elite) still aren’t sure what the real difference between an “Expatriate” and an “Immigrant” or plain old “Foreigner” really is…

So, because “importing foreign labour” and spending limitless amounts of time and cash on “integrating” them into the Danish welfare Eden was tiresome, it took many years, and an unprecedented economic boom, for local and national government to focus any amount of energy on internationalising the Danish framework. In other words, making Danish society attractive not just for life-long Danes, but also for foreign professionals, their families, and students.

During the last 5-8 years, however, several initiatives have been floated to make it easier for Expats to work and live in Denmark – not just when it comes to tax benefits (for some), and free Danish lessons. Expat in Denmark is itself a government funded project (only 2 years old) designed to be the national network, and to make it more attractive for individuals and families to stay in Denmark, by providing social and professional networking initiatives, events, information, and a forum. Other local, regional, formal, and informal initiatives are sprouting up around the country, especially in the bigger cities.

Although the initiatives are growing, and the necessary political will has been established, it is all still very new, and the Danes are indeed still hopelessly inclusive. In that sense, Expats in Denmark really are true pioneers. Be they Chinese, Indian, American or European, they are fearlessly penetrating the homogenous tribal fortress of Danevirke, forcing Danes to not just recognise the outside world when they are the ones travelling and living abroad, but to embrace the world inside Denmark as well. It won’t happen over night, but it is happening, thanks to the pioneers in our Expat communities across the country.