Denmark could start seizing jewellery from Syrian refugees to fund their health care from next month

The controversial bill is set to be voted on today, with the government saying they will be allowed to keep their wedding rings

The Danish government will today vote on a new law that would allow immigration authorities to seize jewelry from Syrian refugees.

Politicians in Denmark believe the move would enable the country to better fund their health care, and ease other burdens on the state.

Mobile phones and watches however would be off limits, as refugees would still be allowed to maintain a "modest standard of living" under the new law, which could come into force next month.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled the Middle East — especially Syria and Iraq — due to the political instability caused by the rise of Islamic State.

First proposed on December 10, the bill reads: "The Danish Government has […] presented a bill before the Danish Parliament which includes a number of different initiatives on asylum policy, including the initiative on seizing valuable assets.

"The bill will go through Parliamentary debate in January and will enter into force after adoption by the Parliament.

"The bill is expected to be effective from February 2016."

Danish officials say that immigration authorities would be able to take any item worth more than 3,000 kroner — about £300.

A press secretary for the Danish government added in a statement explaining how the law would work: "Foreigners will always be able to keep assets which are necessary to maintain a modest standard of living, e.g. watches and mobile phones.

"Assets which have a certain personal, sentimental value to a foreigner will not, as a main rule, be seized unless they have considerable value.

"The Danish Immigration Service shall ensure that asylum seekers receive the necessary support while their asylum applications are being considered. The support includes basic maintenance, health care and accommodation.

"It follows from current rules that an asylum seeker, who brings sufficient means to take care of him- or herself, should not also receive support from the Immigration Service.

"The asylum seeker is obliged to inform on any means the asylum seeker brings with him or her."

Authorities would be allowed to search the luggage of clothes on demand under the new law.

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