Asylum seekers could be allowed to get jobs six months after arriving in Britain under plans due to be outlined tomorrow.
Supporters hope bringing refugees into the workforce could tackle the UK’s labour shortages and provide a “much-needed boost to our economy”.
The proposal comes in an amendment to the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill, which returns to the Commons this afternoon.
The plan, which is set to be unveiled by Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts, will be debated and voted on if the amendment is selected by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Ms Saville Roberts told the Mirror: “Our economy is suffering from chronic labour shortages due to Brexit, which is contributing to a slow-burning economic crisis. Meanwhile, highly-skilled asylum seekers are sitting idle in detention centres, eager to contribute to our society but banned from doing so.
“Plaid Cymru’s amendment would allow asylum seekers who have been detained for six months or more to apply for permission to work, including self-employment and voluntary work. This could provide a much needed boost to our economy.
“The right to work is a fundamental human right, and it is crucial for the wellbeing of asylum seekers and their integration into society. It is also beneficial for the economy, as businesses want to be able to access the skills and experience of asylum seekers."
Plaid cited research showing nearly seven out of 10 British businesses backed asylum seekers being allowed to work sooner.
Harriet Protheroe-Soltani, of the Welsh Refugee Council, said: “Asylum seekers have a lot of much needed skills to contribute to the United Kingdom.
“For asylum seekers themselves, this would provide them with the tools to begin their full integration into a new country.
“Within a positive work environment, their communication and language skills will improve, but they will also come into direct contact with British customs and ways of life.”
MPs are expected to approve the overall Bill when it returns to the Commons tomorrow.
But the Mirror told today how ministers face a bruising battle with their own side in the Lords as they attempt to push the legislation through the Upper Chamber.
Tory peers warned Home Secretary Suella Braverman they will be “awkward b******s” as they seek to scupper her controversial Bill.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned the plan risks breaching international obligations to protect human rights and exposing people to serious harm.
Under the plans, which have provoked outrage, vital protections will be withdrawn for Channel migrants who arrive by small boat, while pregnant women and children can be detained and deported.
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