The Danish Immigration Service published an annual work plan for 2026 introducing practical reforms in the areas of immigration, international protection and digitalisation

In February 2026 the Danish Immigration Service published its 2026 annual work plan (Objectives and Performance Plan 2026) introducing several developments and reforms in immigration including international protection.  

The annual plan prioritises integration and the optimisation of the asylum and reception functions aiming to ensure more efficient resource allocation, coordination and administrative capacity. In addition, includes preparatory actions for the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum by June 2026, and the respective provisions of the legislative instruments that Denmark intends to opt in. As a result, it is expected by the country to reshape or rethink different steps of the asylum procedure and relevant workflows. The plan includes the following core objectives and priorities. 

Core task 1: Asylum case management: The Danish Immigration Service shall carry out an efficient, objective, and correct processing of asylum cases, including participation in managing cases before the Refugee Appeals Board. Processing asylum cases is among the most resource-intensive core tasks of the Immigration Service. In the Asylum Centre, the processing of cases concerning displaced persons from Ukraine (including certain extension cases) will be prioritised alongside other asylum cases.

Core task 2: Family reunification cases and extension of residence permit: The Danish Immigration Service shall ensure efficient, objective, and correct processing of causes related to family reunification, temporary extensions of residence permit, permanent residence, etc.

Core Task 3: Visa cases: The Danish Immigration Service shall ensure efficient, objective, and correct processing of visa applications in accordance with the EU Visa Code. 

Core Task 4: Accommodation (Reception): The Danish Immigration Service manages the accommodation and support of asylum seekers in accordance with current regulations and political agreements. This includes close dialogue with accommodation operators regarding the operation and development of asylum centres, as well as the placement and transfer of asylum seekers within and between centres. The agency will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Danish Return Agency in this area.

Core Task 5: IT Support for the Ministry of Immigration and Integration: Another major change concerns the modernisation of the IT governance framework within the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. Under the 2026–2028 IT Action Plan and ongoing transformation programme, the efforts will focus on establishing a sustainable, secure, and integrated IT environment, enhancing cross-functional cooperation, for EU-related systems (e.g. Schengen, digital case management, border control). 
Additionally, the plan introduces analytical and data-driven management approaches, particularly in the thematic area of reception, to improve financial transparency and inform policy prioritisation.