Analysis indicates that asylum hotels may face closure within a year if individuals from five specific countries are granted restricted permission to remain in the UK, as per the Refugee Council.
The current plan proposed by Keir Starmer to shut down these hotels is deemed “unsustainable” by the Refugee Council, potentially aggravating existing hostilities. The council’s report, released recently, recommends the implementation of a one-time scheme offering limited leave to individuals from Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, and Iran, subject to successful security screenings.
By granting temporary permission to stay, this approach could significantly expedite the closure process compared to Starmer’s target of 2029. Residents in approximately 200 locations nationwide have expressed feeling targeted amidst escalating tensions.
In June, there were around 32,000 individuals accommodated in this manner while awaiting processing of their asylum claims, a decrease from over 56,000 during the previous administration. Muhammad, an individual from Afghanistan who spent half a year in a hotel, highlighted unauthorized filming of residents outside hotels, leading to negative portrayals that undermine people’s faith in the system.
Under the proposed plan, individuals from these high approval rate countries would receive time-limited permission to reside in the UK. Home Office data reveals an 86% approval rate for Eritreans and a 98% rate for Sudanese asylum seekers.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, criticized the continued operation of hotels, suggesting they serve as breeding grounds for far-right activities, exacerbating tensions and dividing communities. He condemned the government for subjecting individuals to lengthy periods of uncertainty within the system, incurring substantial costs to the public.
Recent legal developments have intensified the urgency for closure, following a court ruling mandating the closure of the Bell Hotel in Epping by September 12 due to noncompliance with planning regulations. Local authorities, including those led by Labour, are exploring legal avenues to challenge similar situations across the country.
Protests outside asylum hotels have been on the rise, prompting Solomon to emphasize that delaying closures until the end of the current parliamentary term is no longer feasible. He urged the Home Office to implement the proposed one-time scheme to accelerate the shutdown process, particularly targeting individuals in the system as of June’s end.
At Reach and its affiliated entities, data collected via cookies and other identifiers are utilized to enhance site experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized ads. Users can opt out of data sharing/selling by clicking the corresponding button on the webpage. Continued use of the website and services implies consent to cookie usage and adherence to the privacy and terms outlined in the respective policies.
