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<p>Asylum seekers who have had their claim outstanding for 12 months or more, through
no fault of their own, are allowed to work. Those permitted to work are restricted
to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. This is based on expert advice from the independent
Migration Advisory Committee.</p><p> </p><p>We are aware that the National Institute
of Economic and Social Research published analysis on 25 June 2023, which set out
the estimated fiscal impact to the UK should there be a relaxation of the policy.
It is the Home Office assessment that any analysis in this area is dependent on making
assumptions from limited evidence and will therefore produce uncertain results.</p><p>
</p><p>Whilst we keep all policies under review, there are no immediate plans to change
the existing policy. It is important that we distinguish between individuals who need
protection and those seeking to work here who can apply for a work visa under the
Immigration Rules. The Government has always been clear that asylum seekers do not
need to make perilous journeys in order to seek employment in the UK. Those in need
of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the
fastest route to safety.</p><p> </p><p>Unrestricted access to employment could act
as an incentive for more migrants to choose to come here illegally; leading to further
dangerous journeys across the Channel and supporting the business model of people
smugglers, rather than claim asylum in the first safe country they reach. This could
also undermine the legal routes for those seeking to work in the UK under the Points
Based System. These routes include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Health and Care
routes, which are supporting UK businesses to recruit workers with the skills and
talent they need from around the world.</p>
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