Denmark to seize migrants' valuables under controversial new law

Denmark has approved controversial new immigration laws by an overwhelming majority.

The new legislation includes confiscating migrants valuables to pay for their stay and delaying families being allowed to join each other in the country for three years.

Under the bill, refugees entering Denmark will have to hand over any possessions worth more than 10,000 kroner (£1,000). Valuables of special emotional value such as wedding rings will be exempt.

Before the law was passed it was heavily criticised by human rights organisations including the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR).

UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told a news conference: "The decision to give Danish police the authority to search and confiscate valuables from asylum seekers sends damaging messages in our view, it runs the risk of fuelling sentiments of fear and discrimination rather than promoting solidarity with people in need of protection.

"On the limited access to family reunification, we just remind people of the point that family unity is a fundamental principle in international law," Mr Edwards said.