Elgin Councillor Jérémie Fernandes urges UK Government to grant asylum seekers the right to work
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A MORAY Councillor has written to the UK Government to push for changes to a law which stops asylum seekers from working.
Elgin City North Councillor Jérémie Fernandes has formally written to Robert Jenrick, the UK Government Minister for Immigration, urging him to revise the current law, which allows asylum seekers to seek employment only after spending 12 months in the country.
In countries like Canada and Australia, asylum seekers are permitted to work from the time they apply for asylum and the right to work is granted after six or nine months in the majority of other European countries. However, the UK currently requires asylum seekers to wait for a decision on their asylum claim for 12 months before they can apply for permission to work.
Cllr Jérémie Fernandes said: "Asylum seekers have often faced war, famine, and persecution, as well as an incredibly difficult journey to the UK.
"When they arrive here, the UK Government hits them with an inhumane triple punishment of a hostile environment fuelling hate and resentment, a lengthy waiting time for an initial decision on their application, and a 12-month ban on working.
“The 12-month waiting period is excessive and detrimental to their mental health. It deprives them of their basic human rights, dignity, and the ability to support themselves and their families. It also perpetuates a cycle of dependency, hindering their integration into society and potentially leading to long-term economic hardships.
"No other country enforces a 12-month waiting period.
"We want asylum seekers to stay once their application has been approved. By permitting them to utilise their skills, talents, and experiences, we can tap into a valuable resource that can contribute to the growth of the economy, and to better social cohesion."
