British MPs advocate work permits for suffering asylum seekers

By Tererai Karimakwenda and Tichaona Sibanda
16 December 2005

Zimbabwean asylum seekers in the U.K. who are struggling to survive as they are not allowed to work have gained the support of British MPs who want the government to address this serious problem.

Destitution among asylum seekers has grown rapidly since an immigration tribunal ruled that failed cases should not be returned to Zimbabwe. Noble Sibanda of The United Network of detained Zimbabweans (UNDZ) told us this means those denied legal status are simply hanging around wasting their skills.

This could last for years until the situation in Zimbabwe changes. According to The Zimbabwean newspaper, immigration minister Tony McNulty last week suggested that support was available for unsuccessful asylum seekers who could not return home, and that government policy was not responsible for making people destitute.

But Labour MP, Kate Hoey, said: ‘There are Zimbabweans I know personally who have been reduced to destitution within the past few weeks even though they have skills we really need in this country such as teaching and nursing.

‘We can't send them back to Mugabe's tyranny, so it is common sense they should be allowed to work for their living.’

The Refugee Council is campaigning this winter to end destitution for asylum seekers, and is calling on the government to allow those who can to work.

Maeve Sherlock, chief executive of the Refugee Council said: ‘It is inexcusable that we are still forcing vulnerable people into destitution. It is even worse that many of these people have valuable skills and talents that could benefit both the UK economy and society.

If people are unable to return home, they should be properly supported and offered the opportunity to work.’