UK: Will letting asylum-seekers work ease financial, political tensions?

Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer under mounting pressure to reduce record numbers of asylum seekers arriving in the country, especially those coming on small boats from France.

Over the summer, hotels housing asylum seekers became a focal point of sometimes violent demonstrations, with many protesters arguing that asylum seekers receive more financial support and benefits than British nationals.

With the cost of hosting asylum seekers reaching billions of pounds, Starmer’s government says it will close all asylum hotels by the next election, due in 2029. It has also paused a visa scheme allowing registered refugees to bring family into the country.

But many charities say allowing asylum seekers to work while their applications are assessed, a process that can sometimes take more than a year, could help ease tensions and the burden on the public purse.

Here's a look at what that could mean:

What benefits to asylum seekers receive

More than 111,000 people claimed asylum in Britain in the past year, official data shows. Asylum seekers usually receive 49.18 pounds ($67) a week, and slightly more if they have small children or are pregnant.

They get free basic healthcare in most circumstances, and their children can go to school for free.

They are also given somewhere to live if they need it.

Under the European Convention on Human Rights, Britain...

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