Campaigning to Lift the Ban Emma Birks and Andrea Vukovic
Why People Seeking Asylum Should Have the Right to Work
What is the Campaign all about? People seeking asylum are effectively banned from working They must wait for 12 months Shortage Occupation List
Why is Change Needed? Route out of poverty Wasteful Support integration Big public support UK is an outlier Basic unfairness
What is the campaign calling for? Reduce waiting period from 12 to 6 months Allow any job - no restriction to the shortage occupation list Right not an obligation This would represent a return to pre- 2002 policy
Why now & the route to change Two previous campaigns on this in 2008 and 2016 but the political context is now better. The forthcoming Immigration Bill represents an opportunity. Building a cross party parliamentary coalition of support. Two ways to succeed: Home Office policy reversal or an amendment to the Immigration Bill
Why has the Government resisted change ‘Pull factor’ False claims from economic migrants
What actions can you take? Contact your MP Engage with other local decision makers Engage your local media Get more people involved! Join the coalition Share the petition Hold an event – get free ice cream!! Social media
What resources are available? Briefing for MPs Petition sheet Template press release Template MP letter
How will you campaign on Lift the Ban?
What are you waiting for?? Go to the website; download the Local Activism Pack for activities, ideas and materials Website: www.lifttheban.co.uk Email: lifttheBan@asylummatters.org