UK Expands Work Rights for Asylum Seekers After 12 Months of Waiting
In a notable reform to the UK’s asylum employment rules, new changes came into force on Thursday, 26 March 2026, significantly expanding the range of jobs available to asylum seekers who have waited more than 12 months for an initial decision.
The changes, introduced through the government’s latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, mark a notable departure from long-standing restrictions on employment for people in the asylum system.
A major policy shift
Until now, asylum seekers granted permission to work after a year were limited to roles listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), a narrow set of shortage occupations.
Under the new rules, that restriction has been removed. Applicants can now work across all occupations classified at RQF Level 6 (degree level or above), in addition to roles included on shortage occupation lists.
Key sectors now open to asylum seekers
The expanded framework significantly widens access across several high-skilled sectors.
Healthcare and medical professions
Following sustained legal and advocacy pressure, healthcare roles have seen the most substantial expansion. Eligible positions now include:
- Medical practitioners and doctors
- Nurses and midwives
- Dentists and pharmacists
- Physiotherapists and radiographers
- Health service managers
Engineering and technology
- Civil, mechanical and electrical engineers
- Software engineers and data analysts
- Cybersecurity specialists
- IT system designers and architects
Education and research
- University lecturers and academic staff
- Scientific researchers across disciplines
- Educational administrators
Other professional roles
- Architects
- Solicitors and legal advisers
- Chartered accountants
- Artists and musicians (subject to professional criteria)
Conditions for obtaining permission to work
The core eligibility requirement remains unchanged, but the scope of employment has broadened.
- Waiting period: Applicants must have waited at least 12 months for an initial asylum decision, provided delays are not attributed to them.
- Application process: Individuals must formally apply to the Home Office for “permission to work”.
- Salary requirements: Roles must meet minimum salary thresholds aligned with skilled occupation standards.
Importantly, asylum seekers remain prohibited from self-employment and from taking lower-skilled roles unless those jobs are included in temporary shortage lists.
Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for 2026
In addition to high-skilled roles, certain mid-skilled occupations (RQF Levels 3–5) have been temporarily opened due to labour shortages, valid until the end of 2026.
These include:
- Care workers (where employers are registered with the Care Quality Commission)
- Laboratory and electrical technicians
- Selected construction roles, including bricklayers and pipe welders
Legal guidance for applicants
Immigration specialists in London say the changes could ease financial pressures on thousands of asylum seekers, including many Arab families currently awaiting decisions.
Experts advise applicants to:
- Verify the correct SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code before accepting a job offer
- Ensure the employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence where required for future immigration pathways
- Update CVs to meet UK professional standards for skilled roles
The reforms represent a cautious opening of the labour market to asylum seekers — one that reflects both economic demand and growing pressure to reform the UK’s asylum system.
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