SCOTTISH Greens vowed to create a scheme granting people seeking asylum the right to work today after slamming the “racist and authoritarian” immigration system.

Those waiting more than six months for a decision on their asylum claim could apply for permission to work until 2002, when it was effectively banned by Tony Blair’s New Labour government.

The right was regained for those waiting more than a year in 2005, but rules governing permission to work have become ever more strict, limiting occupations and enforcing salary floors.

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian MacKay argued that voting for the party was “a vote to end the hostile environment for new Scots.”

She unveiled plans to use devolved powers to allow those seeking asylum access to the full range of public services, create a pilot scheme allowing them to work, and end the use of “unsuitable” accommodation such as the hotels that have become focal points for far-right hate campaigns.

“Scotland would not be the nation it is today without the people who have chosen to make their lives here,” she said.

“Right now, far too many new Scots are being failed and targeted by a racist and authoritarian immigration system that is designed to punish and scapegoat them, actively making their lives harder.”

Calling for immigration to be devolved, she 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.”

The UK government was contacted for comment.