Denmark to recruit 1,000 healthcare assistants

Denmark plans to ease the path for up to 1,000 healthcare assistants from non-EU countries by expanding its Positive List for Skilled Work which includes professions with labor shortages. A political agreement, announced Wednesday, aims to alleviate the workforce shortage in healthcare and elderly care. The agreement includes a potential recruitment of healthcare personnel from India and the Philippines if deals can be set with these countries. Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde mentioned the urgent need for action, and the readiness of India and the Philippines to discuss cooperation was noted. The initiatives also involve a fast track for doctors and nurses from outside the EU, reduction of language requirements, and no ceiling on how many healthcare personnel can be recruited from India and the Philippines, according to Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek. Despite these measures, he does not see it as a relaxation of immigration policy.