University boss: Let asylum seekers work and study here

This year the University of Suffolk used Suffolk Day as an opportunity to put into practice our claim of being a community impact university. 

We make a difference to our town and county by transforming the lives of our students through the development of education and skills.

Furthermore, we also use our research capabilities to understand a range of societal issues and work on solutions that support positive change. 

We are here to serve our town, our county, and our region and many of those who live and work in Suffolk have benefitted from studying with us.  

The University welcomed asylum seekers on Suffolk Day (Image: Archant)

This year to mark Suffolk Day, we reached out to refugees and asylum seekers living in Ipswich who are supported by Sanctuary Day Centre organisation, offering them the opportunity to visit the university, learn more about the county and share their personal stories, hopes and aspirations for their futures.

The issue of asylum seekers and their right to work and study is a hugely important topic and one that demands our attention if we are to create a more prosperous and inclusive society for all by granting the opportunity to contribute to society through work and education in the United Kingdom.

At present, asylum seekers are unable to work until their status has been granted and while they can study, they are subject to international fees. 

Supporting refugees in their desire to work and study has many benefits to our community. 

For example, by engaging in employment, asylum seekers can contribute their skills, knowledge, and experience to various industries particularly where we have labour gaps and skill shortages, which in turn fosters economic growth and bolsters productivity.

Furthermore, by enabling individuals to earn a living, we empower them to regain a sense of dignity and agency.

This, in turn, reduces dependency on welfare systems, allowing refugees to actively contribute to society while maintaining their self-respect.  

Asylum seekers often bring with them a wealth of skills, qualifications, and experiences from their home countries.

Allowing access to work and study in the UK enables the transfer of these valuable skills, which can contribute to the growth and development of industries.

Their unique perspectives and expertise can enrich educational institutions, research endeavours, and innovation.

Embracing their diversity cultivates an environment of learning, broadening horizons and deepening cultural understanding for everyone involved.

Investing in the skills and education of asylum seekers leads to long-term economic benefits.

By providing study opportunities, we enable refugees to acquire new qualifications and knowledge, which can enhance their employability in the future.

Equipped with valuable skills and education, these individuals can contribute positively to the UK economy as productive members of the workforce, bolstering economic growth and prosperity for all. 

I enjoyed meeting the refugees who visited us on Suffolk Day to hear about the skills, qualifications, and experiences they have between them and their desire to contribute to our society and to learn and better themselves.

They have left family and friends and need to become more quickly embedded in our community if they are to thrive and if we are collectively to ensure the far-reaching benefits that granting asylum seekers the right to work, and study can bring beyond the individual to our entire society. 

The University of Suffolk stands ready to help, and to challenge the current position on right to work and study. 

Let us all strive to work together to support our refugees in Ipswich with the means to rebuild their lives, unlocking their potential and building a brighter future together for us all.