Responding to inquiries by this correspondent, concerning apprehensions and effects it would impact on Gambian students, Mr Specht also confirmed that the rules stated categorically “the provisions for obtaining a so-called study visa for international students, who want to study in Denmark”.
He also noted that the reason and background for the Executive
Order is twofold: “One or more higher education institutions in Denmark have paid and used foreign middlemen to ‘acquire’ foreign students to Denmark, in contradiction with the intentions of the previous provisions for obtaining a study visa to Denmark.”
In addition, Mr Specht stressed that “following a substantial increase of students from Nepal and Bangladesh – not The Gambia – the provisions have been tightened up, so foreigners from countries outside EU are not entitled to come to Denmark based on a study residence permit and at the same time get a work permit for themselves and their families”.
In other words, he stated: “The political rationale for the new provisions is to avoid situations, where ‘students’ get a study permit but actually are here to get a work permit for themselves and their spouse.”
Further recognizing the particulars of the rules, he added: “This Consulate General of The Gambia are not dealing with political matters and have any political opinions … but the said change in provisions seems to have a fair and reasonable rationale.”
Therefore, “as Consul General of The Gambia it is my duty to bridge interests between The Gambia and Denmark, support and assist the Gambian community in Denmark and advise Gambians and other nationals about current legislation in Denmark”.
Concluding the Consul General said: “This has been my honor for 30 years now, and I look forward to continuing to serve Gambians in Denmark and abroad in the years to come.”
