The government might strip some asylum seekers of their work rights. Here’s why it shouldn’t

Migration is never far from the headlines, but it’s particularly topical this week in the wake of One Nation announcing its policy on the subject.

It comes as the federal government is expected to announce its policy on the topic in coming days.

While no firm details have been revealed, it’s been reported the government is considering restricting the work rights of asylum seekers while they appeal visa rejections.

Should the government decide to do that, there is little doubt it would have dire consequences for the livelihood and wellbeing of asylum seekers.

We know this because our research shows early access to work rights and other government support significantly improves employment outcomes for asylum seekers in Australia.

The benefits of early work rights continue to matter even after ten years of permanent residency in Australia.

Withdrawing asylum seekers’ work rights would not stop them from working.

Instead, it would push them into precarious, unsafe and exploitative employment.

In turn, this would create an even more vulnerable population requiring further support down the track.

Who gets to work? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights , to which Australia is a signatory, guarantees all people the right to work.

For asylum seekers in Australia, that’s only partially true.

Some are allowed to work in Australia, but work eligibility depends on the specific type of visa granted.

The most consequential are bridging visas, which are temporary visas that allow asylum seekers to legally reside in Australia while their asylum applications are under review or while they appeal a visa decision, or make plans to leave Australia.

Work rights on these visas depend on the specific bridging visa that asylum seekers are granted.