Gus Murray is an Australian living in Denmark with his Danish girlfriend. His situation is pretty similar to my own, so when I heard he was being kicked out for some minor debt repayment issues, I felt the need to spread the word and get these ridiculous immigration rules overturned.
Gus holds two Masters’ degrees and is an entrepreneur with an impressive profile of eduction and jobs from around the world.
During a period of three months of unemployment he took a small loan called Starthjælp from Copenhagen’s Municipality. But owing to some bureaucratic confusion, he was told to pay back the money, which he did.
However, Gus was kicked out of Denmark in July last year. This was because Government departments had messed up, and the confirmation of payment by one department was not transferred to another. Gus had appealed this, but after 8 months, he was told that his appeal had been declined and he now has to leave Denmark by the 1st of May, 2011.
You can read more about Gus’ story here, where you can also go to link to his Twitter and Facebook page.
This situation seems very unfair. I don’t know the exact details, but the Danish Government’s crackdown on immigration really has gone too far. I haven’t taken any loans but my girlfriend and I are soon moving to an apartment together. We were hoping to get some support from the municipality for the rent, but now I think it’s best to pay it all ourselves.
I don’t know Gus Murray, but when I heard his story yesterday, I felt the need to spread the word to keep Gus in Denmark.
Thoughts from a Viking land 
Hej Matt,
Thanks heaps for posting a blog about my case, really appreciate the effort to create awareness about these issues.
Kindest regards,
//Gus
@ideasoutloud
Hi Gus, not a problem, all the best with your case
It’s very important to note that as an immigrant in Denmark, you must never, ever, ever take any payments that fall into the category of “welfare,” or “social help.” Even if the government mistakenly offers it to you. Paying the money back is technically not acceptable.
Also your Danish partner cannot take any unemployment, rent support, or social help until you have achieved permanent residency. For no reason. Again, not even if the government mistakenly offers it.
To do otherwise puts you at risk of administrative deportation. Please note the government is discussing tightening and shortening appeals. We talked to our Danish lawyer about this. Based on his advice, I would pass along to you that must definitely pay for your apartment on your own. Do not accept any form of government support until you are a permanent resident. It’s just too risky. Remember, the Danes don’t want you there and the present administration is looking for any excuse to deport you. In the eyes of the current government, you are a skilled foreigner polluting Denmark with your non-Scandinavian culture and taking a good job that should belong to a Dane.
Queen Margrethe married a Frenchman. Her son Frederik married an Australian. Her second son has married twice. His first wife was born in Hong King, and his second born in France.
You would think a country that supports foreigners marrying into their Royal Family would also be more encouraging and supporting of others wanting to work and contribute to their society.
Shame on you Denmark!