ImmigrationNational 20h 44m left
Should asylum seekers be allowed to work whilst their claims are being considered?
Asylum seekers in the UK are generally barred from working while their claims are processed and instead receive support and accommodation if destitute. As of June 2026, 40,168 people await an initial decision and 93,293 receive support, though the initial decision backlog has fallen sharply. Permission to work is available after 12 months (soon 6) for higher-skilled roles only, with the policy aimed at distinguishing asylum from economic migration.
3 Opinions
I am in favour of immigration, bringing a mix of skills & diversity to UK. It’s tempting to mitigate costs of benefits if asylum seekers were able to earn wages, whilst being “processed” However, that allows complacency & slippage in the process Focus should be on streamlined, fast decision making system; those entering illegally being quickly approved or returned without delay and prolonged financing. It needs to be far less attractive, hence discourage “chancers”
No, they shouldn't work and they shouldn't be allowed into public until properly vetted, their asylum claims verified and they pass exams on living in modern UK society. Failing any step should ends in deportation.
Very difficult to answer just yes or no. First and foremost, asylum is supposed to be emergency protection from persecution, not an alternative route for economic migration. Handing out work permits to anyone who arrives while their claim drags on creates a massive pull factor for human trafficking gangs selling UK jobs. However, letting applicants work after a few months slashes state support costs, fills vacancies, and generates tax revenue. It's a double-edged sword.