Asylum: Doctors
(asked on 8th February 2018) - View Source
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow asylum seekers with medical qualifications to develop and apply their skills in the UK.
Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK unless their claim has been outstanding for at least 12 months through no fault of their own. Those who are allowed to work are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. This policy is designed to protect the resident labour market so that access to employment is prioritised for British citizens and lawful residents, including those granted refugees status. We have no plans to change this policy.
Once granted refugee status there are no restrictions on employment in any sector, subject to meeting the requirements of that profession.
Asylum seekers may volunteer in both the public and voluntary sectors, or study, providing they can meet the requirements to enroll on the course and pay the relevant fee. Such activities must not interfere with scheduled events such as a substantive asylum interview, regular reporting event or re-documentation interview.