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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>Whilst
the Government has not made such an assessment, 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.
<br> <br>The Government is considering recent calls to change the policy. However,
our current approach aims to protect the resident labour market so that any employment
meets our needs for skilled labour and distinguishes 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, particularly children
or those with children, 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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