Unlocking right to work for asylum seekers

Employment is a key driver of refugee integration.

In addition to encouraging integration, supporting economic activity brings a range of benefits to asylum seekers and their families as well as to wider society. A change in Home Office policy regarding asylum seekers and work permission now means that taking up employment is a viable option for a number of people in the asylum system.

A major barrier to asylum seekers looking for employment is the lack of clarity as to how employment earnings will affect ongoing eligibility to asylum support.

This paper identifies a number of issues that require clarification. Once available, this information will enable asylum seekers to make informed choices about accepting work. Other measures proposed in this paper will help reduce the risk of homelessness that could arise as a result of asylum seekers accepting work and will also help grow the healthcare and social care workforce.

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Read more about our Healthcare Skills of Asylum Seekers and Refugees Survey here