November 1st 2009, an advisory service for au pairs and host families in Denmark was opened at the Danish Refugee Council’s office in Copenhagen. The advisory service is manned by a team of experienced lawyers with extensive knowledge from counselling of foreigners on the various rules under the Danish Aliens Act.
The Au pair team offers counselling on:
- rights and obligations of au pairs and host families
- conditions regarding working hours, domestic chores and minimum allowance,
- the possibility of attending language courses
- accommodation and issues related to insurance and health
- au pairs’ options if the host family abuses the au pair scheme and how to change host family
- consequences of working illegally and penalty periods
- when to contact the immigration authorities
- regulations concerning family reunification and other types of residence permits
In cases where an au pair is in an emergency, the au pair team can refer the au pair to a support- or contact person.
The au pair team can provide mediation between the au pair and the host family in cases where such intervention may benefit both parties.
The au pair team arranges quarterly information sessions for au pairs as well as for host families.
Specially trained consultants will be available for guidance and information to au pairs in three different LærDansk language schools in Jutland and Funen.
The Danish Refugee Council’s voluntary advisors will be informed in regulations and practices concerning the au pair stay in Denmark, in order to be able to inform and guide users of the voluntary advisory service and refer au pairs and host families to the au pair team for further counselling.
If necessary the au pair team will explore whether there are local NGOs or authorities in the home country who may be able to assist the au pair in need of assistance upon return to the country.
The au pair team is available for counselling from Monday to Friday between 9 – 3 p.m. on phone 3373 5322 or e-mail: contact@aupairsupport.dk. It is also possible to make an appointment with a counsellor or visit our office in Borgergade 10, 3rd floor, 1300 København K on Fridays between 10 – 12 a.m.
Please contact us, if you want to know more about the counselling and support we offer.
