Copenhagen, 1 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Ministers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland have agreed their countries will cooperate more closely on the deportation of rejected asylum seekers and other foreigners without residence permits.

During a two-day meeting in Copenhagen, the Nordic countries had agreed on their common interests, Danish Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek said on Tuesday.

The ministers agreed on three initiatives, focused on "strengthening reintegration projects in countries of origin, coordinating joint Nordic return operations in collaboration with [EU border agency] Frontex and providing assistance to stranded irregular migrants in North Africa, who wish to voluntary return to their own countries," a press release stated.

Denmark has taken a strict approach on immigration in recent years, while trying to convince neighbouring countries to follow the same line.

In Sweden, a conservative government took power a year ago with the support of the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats. In Finland, a coalition government recently formed with a right-wing populist party, The Finns. Both governments have announced a stricter course on migration.

Photo: MIA archive