As a general rule, asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK whilst their claim is being evaluated. However, whilst asylum seekers are awaiting a decision they are given accommodation and may be eligible to receive support to meet their essential living needs.
It is important to note that there are certain circumstances whereby an asylum seeker may be eligible to work in the UK whilst awaiting a decision on their application. The Home Office may allow asylum seekers to work in the UK whilst they await a decision if they meet the following:
They are aged at least 18 years old and have waited over 12 months for an initial decision on their asylum claim or for a response to a further submission for asylum and this delay is no fault of their own.
They will be employed in a role which is featured on the Shortage Occupation List. Those who are granted permission by the Home Office to work in the UK whilst they wait for a decision can only be employed in jobs that are featured on the shortage occupation list which is published by the Home Office. The jobs on the Shortage Occupation List are very specialist and are almost exclusively at graduate level or above, and so, to date it has been very difficult for asylum seekers to find suitable work.
If you believe that you meet the eligibility requirements laid out previously and wish to apply to work as an asylum seeker then please contact an asylum lawyer to assess your suitability further.
In order to apply for permission to work in the UK as an asylum seeker or failed asylum seeker a written application must be made to the UKVI and contain information about why a request to work in the UK has been made. Applying to receive permission to work in the UK as an asylum seeker can be a difficult process and requires a well developed argument, and so, it is recommended that the support of an asylum lawyer is sought.