Last November marked an historic day in Greenland’s history, when its residents voted overwhelmingly for greater autonomy from Denmark. While the Danish government is willing to concede most aspects of daily governance to Greenland, the world’s largest island is still stuck with Denmark’s rigid immigration laws.
Greenland’s government does not feel that the strict Danish immigration laws are practical for their nation. In his New Year’s speech, Prime Minister Hans Enoksen stated that one of his government’s main priorities is to take over full responsibility for foreigners in Greenland and immigration policies. The main reason for this impetus is a shortage of labour in Greenland.
The Politiken newspaper reports that Enoksen said, “We would like to work for a quick takeover of the responsibility for immigration and for immigration legislation. We want to do this because we expect a major labour shortage. For this reason we will welcome foreigners who want to work in this country.”
Arranging work permits and residence in Greenland currently must pass through the Danish Immigration Service. The Head of the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen, Tove Sovndahl Pedersen confirmed to Politiken, “It can be awfully difficult to arrange residence and work permits. There is not always the necessary flexibility in the Danish Immigration Service. One aspect is that the casework is lengthy; another is that the rules don’t always agree with our reality. It could be, for instance, requirements for learning Danish.”
The Danish People’s Party, however, does not agree, insisting that Enoksen’s statement was “entirely unacceptable.” Greenland’s prime minister foresees many headaches for his nation if Denmark continues to insist it manage the island’s immigration policy. But neither side is close to reaching a consensus.
Am 31 yrs old african, who is living legally in spain for a couple ten yrs with long term resident CE card in EU.Am a electrician and crane operator,but now due to economic crises in spain i lost my job.i speak english and spanish fluetely,i wanted to come to greenland to look for job.please i need you help,i hope to hear from you soon.thank you.
To whom it may concern,
I am very keen to get information about the immigration system in Greenland. It is quite obvious that the immigration in entire Europe has been restricted and some strict laws and regulations has been approved, but there are some gaps and possibilities. thanks
I MEAN: GHERMANY IS THE ONLY EUROPEAN COUNTRY THAT OFFERS GOOD FACILITIES FOR WORKERS WITH THE PROFESSION OF ELECTRICIAN!
Hello there! – Hey, if you want to immigrating to another country, but any of EU contries with the profesion of electrician, the best place to go is Canada or Germany. As more and more Germans are leaving the country for different other countries, because of different reasons, there is a lack of people with knowledge in your profession. —- I think you should try and I wish you the best.
Im interested to migrate greenland but i have no idea where to apply, Im highly experienced electrical technician with over 20 yrs experience and presently Im working in QATAR since 1998 in a govt owned company
I am considering to immigrate in Greenland, and I have few ideas for self-emplyment. It is about agriculture. However, I do not see how I can apply for immigration visa if there is no an immigration office in Greenland. Anyone can help?
P.S. I am from a Non-EU country, but on the “White Schengen”
i am an african living in spain for a couple ten years legallely with permanet resident and work permit, but at moment am not working. i wanted to come to greenland to look for jobs. am electrician and crane operator.i speak english fluentely and spanish also.i am 30 years old.am ever read to under any courses to further up my career as a electrician. please i needed your help. i hope to hear from you soon.thank you.
How can i be an Immigrant of Greenland: “Kalalit Nunat” can anyone guide me!!!
Maybe we could learn something from these people. hmmmm
They left EU in 1985.
Now moving towards independence.
Greenlanders know something. And most Icelanders know it too.