The Danish government has made plans to provide a prosthetic leg for a man from Nigeria, Lucky Frances, who lost his leg during a conflict with the navy in 2021.
Frances lost his leg during an altercation with the Danish ship, Esbern Snare, in the Gulf of Guinea three years ago.
Reports indicate that Frances, a former pirate, will also receive support for education and employment, including an integration program to help him become a contributing member of society.
The integration program outlines specific goals that Frances must achieve to continue receiving support and benefits for his well-being and potential repatriation.
However, the decision to support Frances has faced criticism from the Danish People’s Party, who argue that it undermines the country’s migration and security policies.
A spokesperson for the party expressed strong opposition to Frances’ integration in Denmark, citing concerns about his presence in the country.
Following the incident in 2021 where Frances lost his leg and four of his companions were killed, he was provided medical treatment, including the amputation of his injured leg.
Despite the circumstances, Frances was not imprisoned and later sought asylum in Denmark, leading to a series of legal processes that eventually granted him residency and an integration plan.
The total cost incurred by Denmark in Frances’ case is estimated to be 4.2 million Danish kroner (£300,000), covering medical expenses and other related costs.
Initially considering a return to Nigeria in 2023, Frances later decided to apply for asylum, stating concerns about his well-being and family support in his home country.
In response to Frances’ asylum application, a spokesperson for Denmark’s Liberal Alliance expressed skepticism about the challenges involved in integrating an individual who had been involved in a conflict with the country.