Simon Hughes takes plight of asylum seekers to Prime Minister's door

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

On Tuesday Simon Hughes joined several other MPs in bringing the plight of Zimbabwean asylum seekers to the doorstep of 10 Downing Street. The MPs called on the Government to permit Zimbabwean asylum seekers to work while they await a court decision on their cases.

Government policy forbids asylum seekers from working whilst their applications are being processed. However the instability of the situation in Zimbabwe has delayed judgements both on the validity of asylum claims and on the legality of deporting those whose claims have failed. The delay in the courts has left 11,000 Zimbabweans in limbo, unable to return home but denied the chance to work and lead a normal life while they await a decision.

The asylum seekers argue that permission to work will allow them to contribute to the economy and to the public purse rather than continue their dependence on state hand-outs. The chance to exercise and develop skills will also ensure there is a strong skills-base to rebuild Zimbabwe's economy once the political situation has stabilised.

On Tuesday, Citizens for Sanctuary staged a demo on Whitehall, calling on the Government to allow Zimbabwean asylum seekers to work. A delegation of MPs went to Downing Street to present the Prime Minister with a box full of CV's, showing the potential of the many bright and able Zimbabweans being thwarted by the Government's policy.