UK to Allow Asylum Seekers to Work After 1-Year Claim Wait
The UK government plans to let asylum seekers work if they've waited over a year for their claim, part of efforts to reduce hotel costs and increase self-reliance.
In a move aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels, the UK Home Office has announced a new measure that will allow those who have waited over a year for their claims to be processed to enter the job market and support themselves. This policy change is expected to impact up to 21,000 individuals, providing them with the opportunity to work legally and ease the financial burden on the government.
Home Office minister Shabana Mahmood has stated that this initiative is part of a broader package of measures to be unveiled on Thursday. The government's goal is to empower asylum seekers to become self-reliant and move out of costly hotel accommodations.
However, the new rules will also include stricter penalties for those who break the law, work illegally, or are found to have sufficient assets to live without support. Starting in June, these individuals will be ejected from the system and lose their support payments, as the government seeks to crack down on any potential abuse of the asylum system.
The decision to allow asylum seekers to work comes as the UK government faces growing pressure to address the backlog of claims and the significant costs associated with housing claimants in hotels. By enabling these individuals to earn a living, the government hopes to reduce the financial strain on the system and encourage greater self-reliance among asylum seekers.
Critics of the government's approach have raised concerns about the potential for exploitation of asylum seekers in the labor market, as well as the broader implications for the UK's immigration policies. However, the Home Office maintains that this measure is a necessary step in managing the asylum system more effectively and reducing the burden on taxpayers.
As the UK government continues to grapple with the challenges of the asylum system, the new policy allowing asylum seekers to work after a year-long wait is poised to be a significant and controversial development in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and refugee policy in the country.
Source: The Guardian
