Are asylum seekers in the U.K. allowed to work or volunteer while awaiting their asylum decision?
The Home Office may grant permission to work to asylum seekers whose claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months through no fault of their own.
Under this policy, those who are allowed to work are restricted to jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) published by the Home Office. Any permission to work that is granted will come to an end if their claim is refused and any appeals rights are exhausted, because at that point they are expected to leave the UK. Those who are granted leave have unrestricted access to the labour market.
Asylum seekers are encouraged to volunteer whilst their claim is being considered. Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. By volunteering for a charity or public sector organisation, asylum seekers can support their local community, and this will also assist with their resettlement if they are granted leave to remain in the UK.
Find out more at gov.uk or freemovement
Last updated 12 May 2025