§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many in-country work permits were approved in 2002; and what proportion were granted to those previously holding a work permit. [101078]
§ Beverley HughesThere were 40,888 in-country work permits issued in 2002, and a further 24,506 authorised extensions to previously issued work permits. Applications can be made in respect of overseas workers already in the UK where there has been a change of employment or a technical change of work. The Immigration Rules also make provision for students who have obtained a degree whilst studying in the UK, and postgraduate doctors, nurses and dentists who have remained in the UK after becoming qualified, to "switch" to work permit status.
The right hon. Member may have been misled into thinking that work permits can be issued to asylum seekers. Asylum seekers cannot apply for work permits, and are not in the categories of those allowed to "switch" into work permit status.