The decision by the Home Office to close 50 hotels housing asylum seekers has drawn criticism from local officials and a humanitarian charity in Portsmouth. The move, aimed at reducing the daily cost of contingency accommodation, has raised concerns about the welfare of asylum seekers and the alternatives being considered, as reported by The News, Portsmouth.
The announcement, made by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, comes as part of an effort to curtail the substantial daily expense of £8 million associated with contingency accommodation for asylum seekers in the UK. The plan is set to see these 50 hotels cease to provide shelter to asylum seekers by the end of January 2024, although there are still 400 hotels currently designated for such use.
While the reduction in costs has been welcomed by some, concerns have been raised about the impact on the lives of asylum seekers. Malcolm Little, the chairman of Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, expressed the charity’s mixed feelings about the decision.
He acknowledged the importance of responsible allocation of tax money but voiced concerns about the alternatives proposed, such as the use of barges or increased immigration detention.
Little argued that barges may not be an ideal accommodation solution for asylum seekers, especially considering the often harrowing journeys they have undertaken by water. He also disapproved of the costly detention of migrants, as exemplified by the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport.
The criticism extends to the Home Office’s handling of asylum cases, with claims that it has failed to manage the backlog of cases over the past decade. This backlog has led to prolonged waiting times for asylum seekers and, in some cases, years of uncertainty.
Councillor Steve Pitt, the leader of Portsmouth City Council, emphasized the need for safe routes for those seeking asylum and the consequences of failing to provide them.
Pitt stressed that the absence of safe routes has forced individuals to take dangerous risks and, tragically, has resulted in the loss of lives. He urged the government to overhaul the current system to ensure timely processing of asylum cases and to allocate the necessary funds for this essential process. Pitt argued that safeguarding the human rights of asylum seekers should be an absolute priority rather than a mere ‘nice to have.’
The closure of these hotels for asylum seekers underscores the complex challenges faced by governments in addressing asylum and immigration issues. While cost reduction is a legitimate concern, the welfare and human rights of those seeking refuge in the UK must not be compromised in the process.
The discussion surrounding this decision highlights the need for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to asylum management that takes into account the realities and vulnerabilities of those in need.
