A new report from the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group has identified how Scotland’s economy and workforce can be boosted by allowing asylum seekers the right to work.
Changing the rules around asylum seekers’ right to find work would not only deliver economic and workforce benefits across Scotland but would also help to improve health and wellbeing, whilst also reducing the risk of exploitation. One way that local authorities will benefit is through the ability to receive increase funding from council tax being paid directly to them.
With the publication of the report, this research will form the basis for proposals for a Scottish Asylum Right to Work pilot, which will be submitted to the Home Office in 2024 for consideration.
Emma Roddick, Scotland’s Migration Minister, said:
“Scotland provides a welcoming home to many people seeking asylum, with policies underpinned by dignity, respect, and compassion.
“This independent report shows how enabling asylum seekers to find work could reduce anxiety and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable people while supporting Scotland’s economy by helping fill skills shortages and addressing population challenges.
“As the UK Government continues to pursue repugnant policies on asylum and immigration, we are developing mitigations as far as possible within our devolved powers and budget, including through our New Scots refugee integration strategy.
“The Scottish Government will now use this report to design a proposal to work within the current devolution settlement, but only independence would give us power to implement a full Scottish asylum system rooted in respect for human rights.”
Currently, the UK Parliament controls asylum with any asylum seekers being required to wait a year before they are able to apply for permission to work from the Home Office. Should they be granted work, asylum seekers then face restrictions on the kind of jobs that they are able to work.
Rebecca Kay, Chair of the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population, also commented:
“Our report shows strong international evidence that strict restrictions on the right to work have negative consequences for asylum seekers’ material and emotional well-being, and for long-term integration outcomes.
“We also find substantial evidence of the considerable barriers which people seeking asylum are likely to face on entering the labour force. These will require careful consideration by Scottish Government, and deliberate remedy when designing a pilot proposal.
“Wider measures to provide adequate reception, settlement and integration services will be required in order to realise the full benefits of a right to work policy for asylum seekers.”
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