About
Right now, right here in the UK, people seeking refugee status are banned from working whilst they wait months, and often years, for a decision on their asylum claim.
Instead, they are left to live on just £6.43 per day, struggling to support themselves and their families, whilst the Government wastes the talents of thousands of people.
We think that’s wrong. We believe that people who have risked everything to find safety should have the best chance of contributing to our society and integrating into our communities. This means giving people seeking asylum the right to work so that they can use their skills and live in dignity.
The Lift the Ban coalition is working to change this. Together, we believe we can #LiftTheBan and ensure that people seeking safety in the UK have the right to work.
Uthman’s Story
Uthman has dreamt of becoming a doctor from a very young age. Yet fleeing persecution in Sudan meant he was not able to pursue his dream.
Leaving his wife and mother behind, Uthman spent years on the run, fleeing from country to country, in search of safety. He was shot, beaten and imprisoned. He would often go hungry and sleep in the cold. He was losing hope until he finally reached the UK.
Uthman claimed asylum as soon as he arrived. He had an interview more than a year ago and since then has been waiting for someone to let him know his fate. Yet, there has been nothing but silence.
This silence and not having anything to occupy his long days with, as he’s prevented from working, is exhausting Uthman mentally and physically.
“Sometimes, I forget to eat because I am constantly worrying and thinking about the unknown,” says Uthman. “I wish I could work so I can take my mind off things.”
The 24-year-old, who used to work in his family’s shop and in a textile factory in Sudan says that he would take up any job if he was given legal permission to work.
He says working would allow him to meet people, learn the language, and begin to integrate. “I want to learn about the work environment in this country and the values of the people of this country. But as long as I’m banned from working, I cannot do any of these things.”
“I wish I could work and pay taxes like other people here. I want to be able to say that I am too contributing to society.”
He says that trying to survive on the little money he receives in financial support, has been extremely difficult. He calculates every penny in order to make sure it doesn’t run out. “I am not working, but my mind does not stop working – my mind is constantly trying to figure out ways to survive on £5.39 a day.” [Asylum Support levels were only increased to £5.66 in June 2020]
Uthman fears that his life will be on hold for many more years as he waits for a decision on his claim. He worries that by the time he is allowed to work, it will be too late to start a professional career.
“I worry that I will get old and I am still waiting for my life to begin,” he says.
“I still want to study medicine one day. I know it sounds impossible, but if I can work and support myself, many things will be possible.”
Who we are
Lift the Ban is a coalition of more than 280 organisations from across the UK who have come together to call on the Government to give people seeking asylum the right to work.
If your organisation is interested in joining the campaign, contact lifttheban@asylummatters.org.
Video: 23 reasons to lift the ban in 2023































































































































































































































































FAQs
What are the current restrictions on people seeking asylum who want to work?
How many people seeking asylum have been given permission to work under the current policy?
What changes are the Lift the Ban Coalition campaigning for?
What are the arguments for change?
Would changing the rules act as a ‘pull factor’ for immigration?
How many people would benefit from the proposed changes?
According to the most recent statistics, around 62,000 people have been waiting for a decision on their asylum claim for longer than six months and would therefore be eligible to apply for permission to work under our proposals, as would their adult dependants. We also propose that people who have been granted the right to work but who then have their initial asylum claim refused are permitted to continue working until the appeals process has concluded.
Would everyone seeking asylum be expected to look for employment?
Has UK policy always been this restrictive?
How does the UK’s approach compare with other similar countries?
If you would like further information please look at the Resources page or contact us at lifttheban@asylummatters.org