Right to work campaign for asylum seekers gathers steam in the UK

By Tererai Karimakwenda
27 January 2006

A campaign to allow failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers the right to work is picking up steam in the UK and activists believe they will succeed because it simply makes sense. Currently, Zimbabweans who are denied asylum cannot be returned home because of the conditions prevailing there. But while in the UK they are not allowed to be employed and are struggling to survive. Several Zimbabwean activists, cooperating with The Refugee Council and MP Kate Hoey, initiated the “Right To Work Campaign” whose aim was to reverse this unfortunate set of circumstances. Early Day Motion 1293 was introduced in the House of Commons and the right to work for Zimbabwean asylum seekers in the UK could actually become a reality.

Harris Nyatsanza, who has been a part of this campaign from the beginning, told us Friday that they have now collected 63 signatures from MP’s from all parties and expect the issue to be debated in parliament soon. Nyatsanza urged all Zimbabweans in the UK to approach their MP about supporting this important campaign. They are calling on the Home Secretary to grant asylum seekers the right to work so they can support themselves financially and make a contribution to society during their time in the UK. They would also develop their professional and technical skills in order to contribute to the rebuilding of Zimbabwe once it becomes safe to return.