Number of Danish green cards issued to increase by 50 percent

So far, Denmark has issued 1692 Green Cards in 2007, an increase of 342 over the previous year. By October, the number of Danish Green Cards issued had increased by 25 percent over 2006, and it's expected that the total number issued will increase by 50 percent by the end of 2007.

The Danish Green Card allows non-European Union skilled migrants to come to Denmark under a non-renewable six-month residence permit for the purpose of finding work. The Danish Green Card is quite different from the United States Green Card, which grants permanent residence. To qualify for a Danish Green Card, applicants are scored on a points-based system that assesses such criteria as education, language skills, age, and work experience.

The Green Card is not a work permit and migrants are not allowed to take employment while they search for suitable work. If a skilled migrant finds work, they must immediately apply for a work permit.

Managing Director of the Danish Immigration Service, Henrik Grunnet, says that the increased figures are a testament to Denmark's ability to quickly attract the skilled migrants it needs.

"It is a significant tendency that we see in the figures," Grunnet said. "In fact there is a considerable immigration to Denmark...also people with higher education."

He said that it's a myth that it is difficult to immigrate to Denmark if you have the right skills.