Questions and Answers

Do I have the right to work?

As a general rule, asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK, whilst their claim for asylum is processed. UK asylum seekers may be entitled to receive financial support and be homed while their application is being considered. This entitlement usually applies to those asylum seekers who have no means of supporting themselves financially and would otherwise be rendered destitute if not given financial assistance by the state. But they can apply for permission to fill a shortage vacancy if they have been waiting for over 12 months for an initial decision on their asylum claim.

You can get help:

Central England- Law centre 

More information:

Know your rights by MiFriendly Cities 


How can I give back to the community?

Volunteering can be undertaken at any stage of the asylum process but such activities must not interfere with scheduled events such as a substantive asylum interview, regular reporting event or re-documentation interview. These events will not be rescheduled to accommodate volunteering. Organisations offering such opportunities will need to allow some flexibility so that volunteers can attend interviews or appointments around their volunteering. Volunteering must also not undermine the effective removal of those who do not qualify to remain in the UK on any other basis.

Common volunteer roles :

  • working in a charity shop (a shop that sells second-hand and new goods to raise money for a charity)
  • fundraising – working to raise money for a charity
  • conservation – looking after the natural environment