Overview

This bill amends the 1971 Immigration Act to allow asylum seekers in the UK to work if a decision on their asylum application hasn't been made within six months, or if further submissions are pending for a similar timeframe. The aim is to alleviate the financial hardship faced by asylum seekers during lengthy application processes.

Description

The bill inserts new subsections into the Immigration Act 1971. These subsections mandate that the Secretary of State, when creating rules regarding asylum seekers, must consider allowing them to work. Specifically, the rules must enable asylum seekers to apply for work permits. These permits must be granted if either:

• A decision on their asylum application hasn't been reached within six months of the application being submitted.
• Further submissions relating to their asylum claim have been made, and a decision on these submissions (or a decision to refuse them) has not been made within six months.

Crucially, the bill stipulates that work permits granted to asylum seekers must be at least as favorable as those given to recognized refugees.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly specified. However, it could potentially lead to reduced government expenditure on benefits paid to asylum seekers if they are able to support themselves through employment. Conversely, there may be administrative costs associated with implementing the new rules and processing work permit applications.

Groups Affected

• Asylum seekers: This group will directly benefit, as many will be able to work while their asylum claims are being processed, improving their financial situation.
• Employers: Employers may have access to a wider pool of potential workers.
• Government departments: The Home Office and other relevant government bodies will be responsible for implementing the new rules and may experience increased administrative workload.

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