Britain’s work restrictions set up asylum-seekers to fail
The economic benefits of relaxing the rules are clear—as are the political obstacles to doing so
“I don’t want to take anything from the government,” says an Egyptian doctor living in Britain. “I want to give the country my taxes.” A welcome offer, you might think: Britain is in great need of both cash and physicians. Yet the government has repeatedly refused his request to work. For the doctor is an asylum-seeker.
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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Wasted talent”
From the September 20th 2025 edition
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Old routes to Britain’s sacred sites are getting more foot traffic
The resurgence in British pilgrimages
Britain’s attempts to stop asylum-seekers have failed so far
A new scheme might change that
Britain’s relationship with America endures, against the odds
Fears of a rupture have not materialised, for now
Britain’s rising food prices are a political headache
Voters hate inflation. They notice it most at the supermarket
How Westminster became obsessed with paedophiles
Nonce politics is not confined to the fringes
Blighty newsletter: Britain in the age of the bloc
Matthew Holehouse, our British political correspondent, on how Britons are changing the way they vote