Two in three Iraqi immigrants over 50 on early pension

A report by the Danish Employers’ Association reveals that nearly two out of three Iraqi immigrants over 50 in Denmark receive early retirement pensions, a rate significantly higher than the 11% of native Danes, Berlingske reports. Immigrants from Lebanon, Turkey, Somalia, Algeria, and Afghanistan also show higher proportions, ranging from 15 to 29%, receiving such pensions, compared to 6.6% among native Danes. Danish political parties including the Danish Democrats, Liberal Alliance, Conservatives, and Danish People’s Party urge negotiations concerning these findings. The Liberal Alliance’s spokesperson echoed this on social media. Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen acknowledges the situation but rejects reopening prior pension grants to non-Western immigrants, while keeping an eye on future developments. Previously, the government party Venstre suggested revising aid to non-Western immigrants to encourage employment, and Socialdemokrats were open to the discussion, with the key concern being the security of sick citizens’ pensions.