Greenland Welcomes Foreign Labor Amid Ongoing Discussion on Local Employment
As of June 30, 2025, Greenland has approved 669 first-time residence and work permits for foreign workers, reflecting a concerted effort to address the pressing labor shortages across various sectors. This initiative has drawn attention from officials and industry stakeholders alike, with Bentiaraq Ottosen, the Minister for Social Affairs, Labor Market, Home Affairs, and the Environment, emphasizing the necessity of contributions from all who wish to tackle this challenge.
The information surfaced during a response to Jens Napãtôᴋ’, the 1st deputy mayor of Avannaata Kommunia, as part of a parliamentary correspondence. In his remarks, Ottosen noted that the approved permits span multiple industries, including construction, hospitality, cleaning, and other services, signifying a broad reliance on foreign labor.
Sofie Svendsen, deputy chairperson of Greenland’s largest trade union, Sulinermik Inuussutissarsiutillit Kattuffiat (SIK), echoed the importance of equitable working conditions for these foreign employees. While she acknowledged ongoing efforts to standardize working conditions, Svendsen also highlighted the necessity for stricter oversight to prevent exploitation, especially in private sector environments where such oversight is often lax.
Oversight and Employment Priorities
The distribution of the 669 permits is meticulously regulated under applicable laws, including the Danish Aliens Act and local legislation governing labor access to Greenland. Collaborative inspections conducted by the Greenland Police, the Tax Agency, municipalities, and the Self-Government ensure that all foreign workers possess valid permits.
Ottosen explained that companies must first advertise job openings online, thereby granting local residents the primary opportunity to apply. Should they prove unable to fill these roles with local labor, companies may seek municipal permission to recruit from abroad.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
In response to inquiries about potential caps on foreign workers in specific sectors, particularly services and cleaning, Ottosen clarified that there are currently no plans to impose such limits. The decision to pursue foreign labor remains in the hands of individual employers, with the overarching goal to reform the labor market for all job seekers.
Ottosen mentioned forthcoming legislative changes intended to tighten job-search benefits rules, aimed at presenting recommendations to the Inatsisartut (the Parliament of Greenland) by spring 2026. Despite the Danish authorities maintaining jurisdiction over immigration laws, Greenland’s government is eager to modernize regulations, thereby enhancing the local labor supply.
The government intends to involve social partners in these reforms, ensuring that the new legislation prioritizes local citizens in the job market.
Emphasizing Equality for Foreign Workers
Given recent political discussions surrounding the reliance on foreign labor in both the social sector and renovation industry, Ottosen reaffirmed the government’s stance: it is incumbent upon employers, whether public or private, to be responsible for the recruitment of their workforce. He reiterated that those willing to assist in alleviating labor shortages are welcome in Greenland.
Moreover, foreign workers pay taxes on an equal basis with local employees, further integrating them into the community.
Svendsen confirmed that about 200 foreign workers are members of SIK and stressed the significance of ensuring they enjoy the same rights and working conditions as their local counterparts. The union is implementing informational campaigns to raise awareness among foreign workers of their rights and to encourage them to join SIK for better advocacy.
Vigilance in Labor Employment
While Napãtôᴋ’ does not oppose the employment of foreign workers in sectors facing genuine labor shortages, he underscored the importance of vigilance. “These workers are here temporarily; we must strive to prepare local job seekers to fill these roles in the long run,” he stated. Napãtôᴋ’ indicated he would continue to monitor the situation, seeking further details regarding how many foreign workers have subsequently established permanent residency in Greenland.
As discussions around foreign labor and local employment policies evolve, it remains clear that balancing immediate workforce needs with long-term community employment goals will continue to be a critical focus for Greenland’s government and its citizens.