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<p>The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it and this
Government is committed to delivering a fair and humane asylum system.</p><p>Our current
policy is consistent with EU law and permits asylum seekers to work, in jobs on the
Shortage Occupation List, if they have been waiting for a decision on their claim
for 12 months or more and the delay is through no fault of their own. We are tackling
delays in decision-making and have plans in place to improve the speed at which outstanding
claims are decided.</p><p>The Government is considering recent calls to change the
current policy. However, the current approach aims to protect the resident labour
market so that any employment meets our needs for skilled labour and to maintain the
distinction between those who need protection and those who want to work in the UK,
who can apply for a work visa under the Immigration Rules. We need to avoid creating
further incentives for migrants to come here illegally, risking their lives in the
process, instead of claiming asylum in the first safe country they reach.</p><p>It
is also important to focus on providing support for those who are recognised as refugees,
to help them to integrate and find employment, so that they can rebuild their lives
here.</p>
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