Overtime, harmful media narratives and political rhetoric regarding people seeking asylum in the UK have garnered support and attention. The hostile narratives and disinformation have played a key part in last August’s racist riots that primarily targeted people seeking asylum who are currently housed in hotels. From misusing electoral data to mainstreaming far-right ideas on media and political platforms, the concern around immigration continues to threaten the safety of people seeking asylum, and the government fails to address the structural inequalities that are experienced by communities across the UK. The recent racist, Islamophobia and anti-refugee riots have highlighted the urgent need to address hostile migrant policies that actively place people of colour in danger and open to far-right attacks. To address the aftermath of the UK’s racist riots, the government is committed to building a culture of cohesion but this must be connected to undoing the years of harmful asylum-related policy and dismantling the hostile environment. We urge the government to look beyond statements, acknowledge the structural inequalities facing marginalised communities and effectively support community organisations who are often having to intervene and solve state failures in areas such as immigration and healthcare.
In the UK, as it stands, asylum seekers are banned from working. An entire workforce of people seeking asylum with an array of talent and skills, ready to work, are effectively banned by the government. The reality of the matter that many people seeking asylum are left to live on just £7 a day, whilst struggling to support their families and the Government is currently wasting their talents and skills. In terms of the current situation around the right to work, people seeking asylum in the UK are banned from working until they have been waiting for 12 months for a decision on their asylum application (Refugee Action, 2025). It must be noted that the ‘Immigration Salary List’’ is restrictive and narrow, leading to further exclusion of people seeking asylum when it comes to finding a profession.
‘’We are calling on the government to lift the ban on work now, enabling people who have been waiting six months or more for a decision on their asylum application to apply for any available job’’
(Refugee Action, 2025)
Localised action
In collaboration with Bradford City of Sanctuary, Refugee Action, Bevan House, Asylum Matters, British Red Cross and Beacon, we launched the Lift the Ban Bradford Campaign Launch on Thursday 24th July. It is important that those people who have risked everything to find safety should have the best chance of rebuilding their lives and becoming part of the community. This means giving people seeking asylum the right to work so that they can use their skills and live in dignity.
We ensured that the voices of asylum seekers were at the forefront of our campaign by providing MP Naz Shah with stories of lived experiences on the impact of the ban of working. The launch included several stations that introduced the campaign, lived experiences of asylum seekers, benefits for the economy of Bradford, our asks for councillors and MP Naz Shah and a section dedicated to creating solidarity connections and amazing Tunisian food by Mariam from Frikasse. The day was filled with insightful conversations, networking and working together to foster strong support for Lift the Ban campaign. We look forward to working with Bradford City of Sanctuary, civil society organisations and the wider community on this important campaign, change is here and needed now more than ever.
Here are some important facts about Lift the Ban Campaign:
- The proportion of people waiting six months or more for an asylum decision has risen sharply over the last decade, from one in four at the end of 2014 (25%) to six in ten (59%) at the end 2024 (Refugee Action, 2025)
- Allowing people seeking asylum to work could benefit the UK economy by more than £280 million each year
- ‘’The Lift the Ban coalition estimates that lifting the ban could save HM Treasury over £280 million per year. In addition, recent research by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) finds that lifting the ban after six months could save the Government a total of £4.4 billion per year, increase tax revenue by £880 million and add £1 billion to GDP’’ (National Institute of Economic and Social Research, 2023).
- ‘’Contrary to the “pull factor” myth, all the available evidence shows that working rights play little or no role in destination choices for people seeking asylum. The real drivers of destination choice are deeper connections like social networks, shared history and languages.’’ (Refugee Action, 2025)
- ‘’Lifting the ban on work would bring the UK in line with other OECD member states. In countries like France, Spain, Italy and Germany, people seeking asylum gain the right to work much earlier – after six months, three months and, in some countries, even less’’ (Refugee Action, 2025)
In times of hostility and tensions, it is vital to create community spaces that foster a sense of connection and solidarities for the future. On an institutional level, it is vital to hold government officials accountable for policies and harmful remarks. We must encourage our MPs and councillors to stand against racism and harmful policies such as the ban on working for asylum seekers, a marginalised community who are facing the brunt of hostile state policies. We are stronger together and we are just getting started.
Further reading
Time to lift the ban: Why this parliament must lift the ban on work for people seeking asylum
The Economic and Social Impacts of Lifting Work Restrictions on People Seeking Asylum – NIESR
Asylum is a front line for racial justice – Refugee Action
Asylum in the UK: A Front Line for Racial Justice
Hostile Environment: How Immigrants Became Scapegoats by Maya Goodfellow
Right to Remain Toolkit – Right to Remain
Racial segregation and the asylum system: the case of RAF Wethersfield
