UK Visas and Immigration has issued an updated version of its ‘Working while an asylum claim is considered’ guidance, clarifying eligibility rules and releasing a new application form PTW1. The 19 October update simplifies the evidence threshold and confirms that applicants can now submit digital copies of identity documents, reducing administrative delays that previously deterred employers. Under UK rules, asylum seekers may apply for permission to work if their claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months and they can fill a role on the Shortage Occupation List. Immigration charities have long argued the policy is overly restrictive; the new guidance does not change the underlying law but does streamline the process by standardising Home Office contact points and accepting electronic signatures. Employers who hire asylum applicants must still conduct right-to-work checks using the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service and retain the Positive Verification Notice. The updated annex now lists acceptable digital evidence and warns that failing to comply could trigger sponsor-licence downgrades. For mobility managers the practical takeaway is to refresh onboarding checklists, ensure HR teams download the new PTW1 form, and brief line managers on permissible occupations. While campaigners continue to lobby for broader work rights, the incremental change should shorten decision times and marginally expand the pool of candidates for shortage roles such as care workers and software engineers. Legal practitioners note that the guidance revision may foreshadow more substantive policy movement when Parliament debates the Immigration (Integration and Skills) Bill later this session.
Source: GOV.UK – UK Visas & Immigration
