Lift the Ban Coalition

Hina Bokhari AM moved, and Marina Ahmad AM seconded the following motion:

“This Assembly recognises that asylum seekers are currently banned from legally working and contributing to London’s economy for 12 months from arrival, many of whom must support themselves and their families on just £5.84 per day.

This Assembly also recognises the clear benefits of allowing asylum seekers to join London’s workforce, especially in addressing labour shortages in sectors which include education, social care, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

This Assembly notes the work of the Lift the Ban Coalition for its continued efforts, most notably by presenting the Home Office with a petition signed by over 180,000 people in October 2020.
This Assembly also recognises the actions of local authorities in the London boroughs of Sutton, Southwark and Merton for joining the coalition.

In addition, the Assembly recognises the following 17 London councils for passing motions regarding their intention to become boroughs of sanctuary for refugees:

• Barnet 
• Camden 
• Ealing
• Greenwich
• Hackney 
• Hammersmith and Fulham
• Hounslow 
• Islington
• Kingston 
• Lambeth 
• Lewisham 
• Merton 
• Newham 
• Richmond 
• Waltham Forest 
• Wandsworth 
• Westminster 

This also includes the boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Lambeth, which have been successfully accredited as boroughs of sanctuary for refugees, as recognised by City of Sanctuary UK, a national umbrella organisation working with local institutions such as councils to promote the inclusion of people seeking sanctuary.

This Assembly commits to supporting the aims of the Lift the Ban Coalition and its efforts to remove barriers facing asylum seekers in accessing work in the capital and across the UK.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to formally join the Lift the Ban Coalition on behalf of the Greater London Authority.

This Assembly also calls on both the Mayor and the Chair of the Assembly to write to the government jointly, urging them to amend the law to allow asylum seekers the right to work.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed unanimously.