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Call to let Zimbabwe exiles work | Call to let Zimbabwe exiles work |
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The Archbishop of York has called on the prime minister to "do the right thing" and give failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers the right to work. | |
Current rules mean asylum seekers are not allowed to work unless they have been given refugee status. | Current rules mean asylum seekers are not allowed to work unless they have been given refugee status. |
Dr John Sentamu praised the government for not forcing them to return to Zimbabwe but urged it to let them "live in mercy, justice and love". | |
He joined politicians and community leaders for a protest at Westminster. | |
Dr Semtamu led protesters - who were shouting "Restore Zim" - to Parliament Square. | |
The protest began with a service at St Margaret's, Westminster. | |
He said he hoped the "rest of the world will wake up too" to the "brutality" of President Robert Mugabe's regime, after the G8 group of industrialised nations said they did not accept that the re-elected government reflected the will of the Zimbabwean people. | |
I would rather they earned their own money instead of depending on the taxpayers Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu But while applauding PM Gordon Brown's move to suspend forced deportations, Dr Sentamu said: "Give back to your brothers and sisters their human dignity. | |
"Show your humanity. Show your statesmanship. | |
"I know that the government is locked in a moral conundrum. But I believe that you should do the right thing for the right person at the right time." | |
The march was also due at the Home Office to present a petition. | |
Dr Sentamu earlier told BBC News: "My view would be that if people are qualified and have got jobs why not give them leave so they can work and continue to keep their skills going." | |
He added: "I would rather they earned their own money instead of depending on the taxpayers, but with very clear rules that say that 'we will determine when we feel the time is right for you to go back'." | |
We are looking to see what we can do to support Zimbabweans in this situation Prime Minister Gordon Brown | We are looking to see what we can do to support Zimbabweans in this situation Prime Minister Gordon Brown |
Campaigners say between 11,000 and 15,000 Zimbabweans are affected by the government's rule. | |
Campaign organiser Neil Jameson said: "Britain can help Zimbabwe in its darkest hour by enabling future leaders to acquire the skills to rebuild the country when the opportunity comes." | Campaign organiser Neil Jameson said: "Britain can help Zimbabwe in its darkest hour by enabling future leaders to acquire the skills to rebuild the country when the opportunity comes." |
Mr Brown said: "They are provided with accommodation and vouchers to ensure that they are not destitute, but we are looking to see what we can do to support Zimbabweans in this situation." | |
Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal delayed a ruling in the test case of a Zimbabwean doctor, referred to as "HS", who is fighting deportation. | Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal delayed a ruling in the test case of a Zimbabwean doctor, referred to as "HS", who is fighting deportation. |
No decision will be made before the outcome of a related immigration application before the House of Lords. | No decision will be made before the outcome of a related immigration application before the House of Lords. |