Refugees
People who have refugee status or who have exceptional leave to remain, and family members, are allowed to do any type of work including volunteering.
Asylum seekers
Since April 2000, asylum seekers (people in the process of applying for refugee status) have been allowed to volunteer in certain types of organisation. As far as Volunteering England's Information Service is aware, this includes whilst they are appealing against a decision to refuse them asylum, and those whose application has been turned down, but are registered with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for return to their home country when practical. Asylum seekers generally receive a document which states that they cannot take up paid or unpaid employment, but this does not apply to volunteering.
Guidance issued by the UK Border Agency of the Home Office in 2008 provides clarification of where asylum seekers can volunteer. Appendix A of the guidance is divided into a series of questions and answers. It contains a section covering "Voluntary Activity" (on page 58). An excerpt of the most relevant question is provided below, as well as a link to the official guidance.
Question and Answer 54 of the UK Border Agency guidance:
"Question: Can asylum seekers volunteer their services?
Answer: Asylum seekers are allowed to volunteer, as long as they are carrying out the work on behalf of a registered charity, voluntary organisation or body that raises funds for either. Any voluntary activity undertaken should not amount to either employment, or job substitution."
You should also read questions and answers 55, 56, 57 and 58 of the UK Border Agency guidance. They confirm that asylum seekers are entitled to receive out-of-pocket expenses just like other volunteers and explain whether “failed asylum seekers” can volunteer pending their departure from the UK.
Further Information
