Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum Seekers

Question: What consideration has the Minister given to issuing temporary work permits to encourage legal working? One of my constituents, a talented athlete, is a failed Zimbabwean asylum seeker who has permission to stay in this country at least until February, but the notice specifically stated that he must not undertake any paid, or even unpaid, work during that considerable period.

Answer: We are always considering such matters. The hon. Lady makes a fair point, but I repeat what I have said on a number of occasions: the asylum system is not a route for economic migration. Those whose claims are unfounded and who fail in the asylum system can and should use other routes, but only after they return to their country. People tell me that the asylum system is a welfare system, an economic system, or a labour market regulatory system, but it is none of those things. It is bounded by the 1951 convention and is rightly there for those who are fleeing political persecution.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 437 c15
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Asylum Seekers
Monday, 10 October 2005
Oral questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Employment Undocumented migrants Asylum Gangmasters