As we mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October, with this year’s focus on workplace mental health, we must also draw attention to those who are entirely excluded from the workforce - asylum seekers. At Sisters Not Strangers Coalition, we have seen first-hand how the current ban on work not only strips asylum seekers of their right to support themselves but also has devastating long-term effects on their mental health and wellbeing.
The inability to work, contribute to society, and create a meaningful routine often leads to profound feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and hopelessness. For many, being denied the right to work takes a heavy toll on their mental health, compounding the trauma they’ve already endured. Without the structure, purpose, and sense of belonging that work provides, asylum seekers are left in limbo, struggling with anxiety, depression, and a lack of identity.
Work is not just about income; it’s about dignity, empowerment, and being part of a community. At Sisters Not Strangers, we believe that lifting the ban would not only help asylum seekers rebuild their lives but would also improve their mental health. The current system forces people into forced inactivity, exacerbating mental health crises and leaving thousands stuck in a cycle of despair.
On this World Mental Health Day, we call for real change. It’s time to recognise that mental health is a right for all, and that includes asylum seekers. Lifting the ban would bring hope, stability, and healing to individuals who have already endured so much. It would also enable them to contribute to their communities, support their families, and begin the long process of recovery from the traumas of displacement.
By allowing asylum seekers to work, we create healthier, more resilient communities where everyone can thrive. This isn’t just about economic benefit it’s about addressing the mental health needs of those who are left behind.
Let’s prioritise mental health for all and end the harmful policies that exclude asylum seekers from the workforce. Join us in advocating for dignity, empowerment, and mental health by lifting the ban on work for asylum seekers.
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