Denmark is tightening its student visa policy for Bangladeshi students, citing misuse of study permits as a backdoor to the labor market. The new rules will make it more challenging for students from Bangladesh and Nepal to secure admission, particularly in Master’s programs.

Universities must now verify foreign education documents, and students who are not actively studying will be sent home more quickly. The government will also ban family reunification for students and shorten the job search visa from three years to one.

Danish ministers argue the move prevents abuse, while the Bangladesh Embassy calls it unfair, saying most students work legally to cope with Denmark’s high living costs.