Greens want to give asylum seekers right to work in Scotland

The party said it wants everyone in Scotland to be able to access essential services regardless of their immigration status.

Gillian Mackay, Scottish Greens co-leader, said they want to provide “a new and better welcome for people making their lives in Scotland”.

Election 2026 (Image: Newsquest)

Mackay said the Greens in the next parliament, after the election, will oppose the UK Government’s anti-migrant policies.

The proposals include a pilot giving people the right to work while their asylum claim is being processed.

The party wants to end private firms making a profit from providing accommodation for asylum seekers.

Mackay, said: “The Scottish Greens will always stand alongside New Scots.

"That’s why we will oppose the hostile environment at every turn and use every power available to us to build a system based on dignity, humanity and respect.

“That means ending the use of private companies profiting from asylum accommodation, supporting councils and communities to welcome new arrivals, and ensuring that people are not left abandoned simply because of their immigration status.

“It also means standing up to the rise of the far right, rejecting their poisonous rhetoric, and building strong, diverse communities where everyone belongs."

She said the UK immigration system is failing “New Scots” and branded it “racist and authoritarian” designed to punish and scapegoat asylum seekers.

The party’s co-leader added: “Like the Tories before them, Labour is forcing people into impossible situations, denying access to housing, work and even basic services. It pushes people into avoidable poverty by design, and creates a climate of fear and hate that damages our social fabric.

“That is not who we are in Scotland, and it is not the kind of country we should ever have to accept.”