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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsImmigrationStarted 3mos agoActive 1wk ago

Should asylum seekers be legally permitted to work while their claims are being processed?

Under current UK law, individuals seeking asylum are generally not allowed to work while their claim is being processed, which can often take over a year. During this time, they rely on government support, including a small weekly allowance and state-provided accommodation, which costs taxpayers millions daily. Proponents argue that lifting the ban would allow asylum seekers to integrate, pay taxes, and fill critical labor shortages while restoring their dignity. Opponents argue that granting the right to work blurs the line between refugees and economic migrants, potentially encouraging more illegal crossings and taking jobs away from local workers.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 952 UK voters.

58%
Yes
42%
No
46%
Yes
34%
No
6%
Yes, it fills labor shortages and stops them from relying on taxpayer-funded hotels
5%
No, British jobs must be prioritized for British citizens, not those bypassing legal immigration channels
3%
Yes, but only after six months and strictly for jobs on the shortage occupation list
4%
No, it creates a powerful pull factor for illegal economic migrants on small boats
2%
Yes, it is inhumane to force people fleeing persecution into state-enforced poverty

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 952 UK voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 952 UK voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from UK voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BDZZ8SPanswered…1wk1W

Maximum one month processing, larger backlog then deport, doable when leaving the ECHR

 @BDZW99Sanswered…1wk1W

Yes but as part of state projects, keep it in house and keep them well paid and supported. Current system is obviously flawed and encourages criminal activity (forces it sometimes). Open hiring might lead to exploitation issues.

 @BDFY4YLanswered…1mo1MO

Asylum seekers should have to do national service for 2 years

 @BDCSG6Sanswered…2mos2MO

You shouldn't be forced to work to prove you should be here, but you shouldn't be forced to then work illegally to be able to live. Should be available but not mandatory

 @BCMC4L8answered…3mos3MO

Yes if it’s community work and it pays for their basic needs without the government funding it. Whilst being fully monitored

 @BCGT68K answered…3mos3MO

Yes, and their taxes should be used to fund integration schemes, most importantly free English classes

 @9ZZPXLZ  from Maine  answered…2mos2MO

Yes, particularly on the shortage occupation list.

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Active 2mos ago

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…6yrs6Y

Should critical race theory be taught in K-12 education?

No

▲  19.8k6 replies4 agree1 disagree

About This Data

Based on 952 responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

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Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should asylum seekers be legally permitted to work while their claims are being processed?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://uk.isidewith.com/poll/5558011614

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