A selected bibliography (with hyperlinks) on the right to work of asylum seekers by Julien BLANC

We would like to provide you with the following (non extensive) bibliography on the right to work of asylum seekers and refugees. The following themes are covered: 

- National campaigns/ situation in Cyprus, Germany, France & Ireland.

- Obstacles and discrimination experienced by asylum seekers to access the labour market, 

- ECRE Recommendations and papers on the right to work 

- Researches to "deconstruct the pull factor theory" and research findings on the right to work  as a factor influencing secondary movement

- Researches on the human and financial cost of denying the right to work, on exploitation

- Research and position papers of trade unions and local administration on the topic

- Research, case law and norms relevant (Universal, regional,in the EU, the UK or South Africa)

This bibliography will usefully be completed by consulting the SRLAN webpage on the economic, cultural and social rights of refugees.

The Right to Work of Claimants for International Protection, a Legal Toolbox

A research paper, by Julien BLANC*

Abstract

The capacity of refugees and asylum seekers to integrate in the host country or to find a durable solution abroad is enhanced when the receiving State hosting the asylum seekers recognize their right to engage legally in self- employment, wage- earning employment or in liberal profession at an early stage of the refugee status determination process. Many States have nevertheless de-coupled granting automatically permission to work from the introduction of individual application claims for international protection on the basis of migration deterrent concerns and the right of States to regulate employment of foreigners. Restrictive domestic interpretations of human rights law and standards have lead this vulnerable category of migrants to suffer from unduly prolonged period of deprivation and denial of their right to work by the State, amounting to forced destitution, in breach of human dignity.

This paper may interest persons who examines the right to work of international claimants for protection from a legal perspective. It aims to increase awareness and facilitate applicability of the right to work of claimants for international protection at domestic or regional levels by detailing the relevance of international and regional norms and standards for claimants in need of international protection.