If the government changed the regulations and permitted asylum seekers to work they wouldn't be such a financial burden. They want to work and build lives for themselves, instead they are held in a sort of limbo for years, not knowing if they will be allowed to stay, dependent on handouts and unable to find out how their application is going. It's a ridiculous situation. I met one woman, she had an arts degree, spoke excellent English and was volunteering because she was unable to do paid work, she had no idea what would happen to her and said it was impossible to find anything out. One reason they need a mobile phone is to try and find out how their application for asylum is progressing.