Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has taken steps to construct a programme of community activities for asylum seekers whilst they are awaiting the outcome of an asylum application and unable to work.

Asylum seekers are allowed to work in the UK if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own. Those permitted to work are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, which is based on expert advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee.

We encourage asylum seekers to undertake volunteering activities, so long as it does not amount to unpaid work. Volunteering provides a valuable contribution to their local community and may help them to integrate into society if they ultimately qualify for protection.