Hardships in Finding jobs in Denmark

In spite of being qualified, the Iraqi refugees in Denmark have been going through a hard time in finding jobs, China View reported.

STCKHOLM, July 18 (Xinhua) -- About 100 Iraqi interpreters and aid workers granted asylum in Denmark last year are choosing to return to Iraq due to their unemployment, according to reports reaching here from Copenhagen Friday.

The Iraqis, who had worked for the Danish military in Iraq, arrived in Denmark with their families last July when the army withdrew its troops.

After one year in Denmark only a handful of the interpreters, 13 of whom are engineers, have found work, reported Danish public broadcaster DR, adding that Iraqi refugees are choosing an uncertain life in Iraq over unemployment in Denmark.

"Companies are currently experiencing a lack of qualified labor, including engineers, and it was believed that they would find work quickly. But despite being highly qualified and speaking fluent English, only one of the Iraqi engineers has found a job," said Treine Schou Tinborg, president of the National Association of Engineers (IDA).

News: Wash Post compares Iraqi refugee treatment in US and Denmark

The Washington Post compared the United States’ asylum program with that of Denmark and the results are not flattering:

In Denmark, the Iraqi asylum-seekers have been housed at government accommodation centers in Jutland while their applications are processed. There they are treated like any other political refugees, receiving a cash allowance from the Danish Immigration Service to cover their expenses for food and personal items, plus a special allowance for those with children.

The Iraqis receive courses to introduce them to Denmark, including an intensive language course. Employment training is also available before refugees are assigned to a municipality to establish residence. Language and other training can last up to three years.

Iraqi interpreters seeking U.S. asylum must file an application, pay a $375 fee, and provide proof that they worked for U.S. units for more than one year and a recommendation from a flag officer certifying their service and their security clearances. They must be interviewed by the departments of State and Homeland Security, either in Iraq or a neighboring country. The United States does not pay the cost of travel outside Iraq for these interviews.