Responding to the Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement in the House of Commons this afternoon [1] that he will be reviewing the current ban which prevents people seeking asylum from working until twelve months after their claim has been made and afterwards limits them to a highly restrictive range of professions [2], Stephen Hale, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, said:
“This is the beginning of the end for one of Britain’s most ridiculous immigration policies. The ban on work for people seeking asylum does them huge harm, prevents them making the contributions to our country we know they can, is unpopular with the public, and is bad for integration.
“It’s great news the Home Secretary is reviewing it. 135 coalition partners will make sure this review rapidly lifts the ban once and for all.”
ENDS
[1] The question was put to the Home Secretary by Catherine West MP:https://parliamentlive.tv/Download/Index/9bf6f5a0-ef95-4189-a8b8-ff5b086be628
The Home Secretary said: “We currently have no plans to change that arrangement [the ban on asylum seekers working] but it is one of the areas I would like to review”
[2] More information here: https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/