TheyWorkForYou

Menu

Refugees: Employment

Home Office written question – answered on 2nd November 2015.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Roberts of Llandudno Lord Roberts of Llandudno Liberal Democrat

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of the current migration situation, they will make changes to allow refugees to work in the United Kingdom immediately, or within six months, of arrival, in order to allow refugees to contribute to the British economy, and reduce pressure on refugees facing destitution.

Photo of Lord Roberts of Llandudno Lord Roberts of Llandudno Liberal Democrat

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial support is available specifically for refugees who have been granted asylum in the United Kingdom, and are therefore ineligible for the weekly allowance for asylum seekers.

Photo of Lord Bates Lord Bates The Minister of State, Home Department

Those granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, including those resettled under our three resettlement schemes, are entitled to work without restriction and have full access to the mainstream benefits system on the same terms as British citizens and other permanent residents in the UK. Asylum seekers are only permitted to work in the UK if their asylum claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months, providing the delay is not of their making. Employment is restricted to jobs on the shortage occupations list. We have no plans to reduce the time asylum seekers have to wait to take up employment.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes1 person thinks so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.

  • (Citation: HL Deb, 2 November 2015, cW)