Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Tony Lloyd (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum Seekers

Question: Bearing in mind my hon. Friend's comment that the asylum system is specifically for those who fear persecution, what sense does it make for taxpayers, public spending or asylum seekers themselves if they cannot work in our society? Many asylum seekers could and would work and everyone would be better off if they were allowed to do so.

Answer: As I said, we keep that matter under constant review. Clearly, however, our aim in the first instance should be to make the decision-making process from start to finish, all the way through to the point of appeals being exhausted, as quick as possible without losing the integrity of that process. I fully accept that it is not right or proper that, sometimes after four or five years, people have exhausted the asylum process but there is still no finality.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 437 c15-6
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