Right to work for people seeking asylum is key to building a compassionate Scotland
Giving people seeking asylum the right to work is key to building a more welcoming and compassionate Scotland, says the Scottish Green equalities spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP.
The comments follow the publication of the Scottish Government’s proposal for a pilot scheme that would enable asylum seekers to work in Scotland. This proposal would allow pilot participants awaiting a decision on their asylum claim to work after six months rather than the current twelve month period.
Ms Chapman said:
“This is an important step from the Scottish Government and could make a big difference to the lives of some of the most marginalised people in our society.
“The restrictions on people seeking asylum are brutal and trap them in a cycle of state-sanctioned poverty and isolation. Without the dignity of work and the ability to use what are often much-needed skills and expertise, that poverty becomes entrenched and the social scars long-lasting.
“The financial and mental impacts of the hostile environment imposed by the UK government are awful and totally needless.
“The proposals that the Scottish Government has developed would go a long way to creating a more welcoming and compassionate society for people seeking asylum.
“This approach stands in stark contrast to years of racist and hostile policies from successive UK governments who have chosen to scapegoat and penalise refugees and migrant communities and blame them for years of failed economic policies.
“The Scotland I want to see is one that reaches out a hand of friendship and solidarity and builds a fairer and more equal future for everyone.”