§ Earl Russell asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What were the vires enabling them to change the practice in work permits for asylum seekers so that the work permit only applies to the asylum seeker himself and not to any of his dependants, and whether they have taken legal advice on whether this practice constitutes sex discrimination.
§ Baroness BlatchThe employment concession for asylum seekers introduced in 1986 allows those whose applications remain unresolved by the Home Office after six months to seek employment, exceptionally outside the Immigration Rules. There has been no change to the terms of this concession which continues to apply only to principal applicants whether male or female.