SNP-led bill on asylum seekers' work rights to be debated at Westminster

MPs will today debate a bill introduced by Glasgow North West member Carol Monaghan that seeks to loosen the restrictions that prevent asylum seekers from working in the UK.

The Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill was originally due to be debated in March, but that was postponed after sitting Fridays - the sessions in which private members bills are discussed - were suspended as a Covid mitigation measure. Sitting Fridays were reinstated in September.

If passed, the bill will amend UK legislation that says asylum seekers can only apply for work if they have been waiting 12 months or more for a decision on their immigration status.

The current law also restricts the kind of jobs asylum seekers can apply for to those included on the UK Government’s shortage occupation list, which is made up of roles such as biological scientists, civil engineers, and speech and language therapists.

Monaghan is proposing that the 12-month time limit be reduced to six and that the restriction on the type of work those seeking asylum can apply for be removed.

“The UK Government’s handling of refugees and asylum seekers has been nothing short of inhumane. There is no doubt that the system is broken, and that radical reform is required,” she said.

“By backing my Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill, the UK Government would be taking a step in the right direction by showing asylum seekers the dignity and respect they deserve.

“Those arriving in the UK have risked their lives trying to reach this island. Each and every one of them have skills and abilities that the UK could benefit from – that is why they should be allowed to use those skills by obtaining jobs that suit them.”