#TheForgottenGold

Beyond the hashtag and into the heart of Denmark’s international talent struggle.

Text: Lyndsay Jensen

Dear readers

The hashtag #TheForgottenGold has recently gained significant traction on LinkedIn, sparking discussions about the challenges faced by international professionals in Denmark. This movement highlights the untapped potential of skilled international professionals who struggle to find employment that aligns with their qualifications. Despite statistics showing that internationals are not leaving Denmark en masse, the conversations under this hashtag point to a deeper narrative worth exploring.

With this issue, we aim to shine a spotlight on individuals who embody the essence of #TheForgottenGold: those navigating the challenges of being international professionals in Denmark. This is just the first in a series of stories.

The goal of the movement

Our goal is to shed light on the untapped talent pool of accompanying spouses, international professionals, students and refugees in Denmark. Internationals aren’t asking for special treatment, but they do expect fairness and opportunities to showcase their skills and potential.

Voices from the community

The hashtag has become a platform for many to share their personal experiences. Julia Jones, PhD, shared her decade-long struggle to secure employment in Denmark, despite holding a doctorate from a prestigious university. She questions Denmark's approach to attracting foreign workers, given that those already in the country face significant barriers to employment.

Similarly, Gabriela Tardea highlighted the challenges faced by accompanying spouses who are unable to find employment, noting that this issue affects thousands. She urged individuals to use #TheForgottenGold in their job search activities to raise awareness.

Debating the statistics

While personal stories highlight significant challenges, statistical data paints a more complex picture. According to Statistics Denmark, in 2024, 83,216 foreign citizens immigrated to Denmark, while 52,580 emigrated, resulting in a net positive migration. This suggests that, overall, more internationals are arriving than leaving.

However, some argue that focusing solely on net migration overlooks the underlying issues. Despite a rise in emigration rates, the total population of internationals in Denmark has never been higher. Net migration remains positive, indicating that the bigger story lies not in who is leaving, but in how those who stay are being integrated.

The disconnect between policy and experience

The Danish government's efforts to attract international talent appear to be at odds with the experiences shared under #TheForgottenGold. While policies aim to bring skilled workers to Denmark, the integration and retention of these individuals seem to be lacking. Julia Jones observes that international professionals are often valued more before they arrive in Denmark than after they are settled. These professionals are celebrated for their global perspectives and experience when they are hired from abroad, but they face challenges when seeking advancement or new opportunities within Denmark.

The human impact

Beyond statistics and policies, the human stories shared under #TheForgottenGold reveal the emotional and psychological toll of underemployment and social exclusion. Jones describes being in a "state of perpetual heartbreak" after reading accounts of internationals feeling out of place both personally and professionally in Denmark. She emphasises the need for inclusive practices, urging individuals to consider who is missing from their professional tables and to address issues of racism and exclusion in the workplace.

The discussions surrounding #TheForgottenGold highlight a critical issue in Denmark's approach to international talent. While the country successfully attracts skilled professionals, their integration and retention remain ongoing challenges. The personal stories and debates sparked by this movement prove the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment that recognises and utilises the valuable contributions of international professionals. Addressing these concerns is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic imperative for Denmark's economic and social vitality.

Within the LinkedIn community, it has been encouraging to see this movement gaining momentum. The collaboration, openness, and shared commitment among professionals will ultimately drive meaningful change.

If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Please send us an email at lyndsay@the-intl.com