Hidden within Copenhagen, the Udlændingestyrelsen stands as a quiet force. It shapes the lives of many who seek a new beginning in Denmark. This agency, the Danish Immigration Service, isn’t just a building. It’s a crossroads of hopes, anxieties, and dreams. The Udlændingestyrelsen has a rich history, evolving from its predecessor, the Direktoratet for Udlændinge, in 1993. This shift marked a transfer of responsibilities from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of the Interior. Later, in 2001, the Udlændingestyrelsen found a new home within the newly formed Ministry for Refugees, Immigrants, and Integration. The Udlændingestyrelsen’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Irregularities in its administration between 2005 and 2006 led to a name change. It was briefly known as Udlændingeservice and underwent restructuring. The Udlændingestyrelsen handles a wide range of immigration matters. It processes applications for asylum, family reunification, visas, and work permits. The agency also plays a crucial role in providing accommodation for asylum seekers, a logistical and humanitarian undertaking. Over time, the Udlændingestyrelsen has shifted between different ministries. In 2011, following a government change, its responsibilities were divided. Employment-related matters, such as work and study permits, were moved to the newly established Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment under the Ministry of Employment. The Udlændingestyrelsen returned to the Ministry of Justice, which now handles asylum, family reunification, citizenship, and visa matters. Here at the Udlændingestyrelsen, countless stories unfold every day. Stories of families reuniting after years of separation. Stories of individuals seeking refuge from persecution. Stories of hope for a brighter future in a new land. The Udlændingestyrelsen, a place where lives are changed, and the future is written.
Galleri KANT
Founded in 2009 by Kerry Harm Nielsen and Anna Gram Sørensen Galleri KANT is more than just a gallery. It’s