Current status: Answered by Kaukab Stewart on 27 November 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to publish a pilot proposal that would enable asylum seekers to work in Scotland and to share these proposals with the UK Government for consideration.
The Scottish Government made a commitment in the 2024 New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy to develop an Asylum Right to Work Pilot proposal. I am pleased to confirm that we have today published our proposal setting out a design for a prospective pilot scheme which would enable a cohort of those seeking asylum to work in Scotland, operating within the current UK immigration framework.
We have worked closely with a range of key stakeholders including local authorities, the third sector and employers to shape the development of the pilot proposal. This proposal would allow pilot participants awaiting a decision on their asylum claim to work after six months rather than the current twelve months, to no longer be restricted to roles on the Immigration Salary List, and to be supported by a flexible, wrap-around provision of support including employability and language learning. Individuals will be able to access employment sooner, have fewer restrictions on the jobs they can do and be supported in accessing, and maintaining, securing employment.
The next step is to share this proposal with the UK Government. I would urge the UK Government to engage constructively to agree a delivery model which supports individuals in making a positive contribution to their family and the community and includes safeguards.
Working jointly to develop and deliver a pilot will help individuals, communities and help to inform future policy approaches on the right to work.
The publication link will go live at 09:30 at: http://www.gov.scot/ISBN/9781836910466