Today’s news / Ombudsman criticizes worsening departure center conditions
The Departure Center Kærshovedgård should ensure better conditions for the residents, believes the Parliamentary Ombudsman. (Archive photo). Photo: Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix

Ombudsman criticizes worsening departure center conditions

The Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman criticized the deteriorating conditions at Kærshovedgård departure center, stating they are restrictive and exacerbate the marginalization of residents. Conditions have worsened since 2017 and compromise safety. The Ombudsman, Niels Fenger, highlighted the importance of ensuring safety as residents are required to stay at the center by authorities. He urged for initiatives to enhance security and suggested routine suicide risk screenings for new arrivals. Kærshovedgård, established in 2016, houses up to 300 non-legally residing foreigners awaiting deportation. The center’s been a focal point of political debate, noted for resident criminal activity and repeated failure to comply with reporting requirements. Female residents were moved due to sexual harassment claims, and attempts to relocate the center’s occupants have faced significant challenges.