Asylum Seekers in Hotels: A Broken System in Need of Reform

By William Gomes

As the UK grapples with the complex issues surrounding asylum seekers and small boat crossings, the hotels housing these vulnerable individuals have become the latest flashpoint in an increasingly volatile debate. The recent spate of attacks by far-right, anti-immigration protesters on hotels accommodating asylum seekers is a troubling reminder of the urgent need for a more humane and effective approach to asylum housing.

Our research into the experiences of asylum seekers staying in hotels and other forms of institutional accommodation has shed light on the myriad challenges they face, both from external threats and the inadequate conditions within these facilities. The harassment and violence perpetrated by far-right groups, fuelled in part by inflammatory political rhetoric, have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for those seeking refuge in our country.

But the problems extend beyond the threats from outside. Overcrowding, poor hygiene, disease outbreaks, and limited access to food and healthcare have all contributed to the physical and mental health problems faced by asylum seekers living in hotels and former army barracks. The confinement and lack of suitable spaces for children to play have further exacerbated the difficulties faced by families seeking asylum. Women and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers have also reported feeling unsafe in these environments.

The current reliance on hotels to house asylum seekers is a symptom of a broken system struggling to cope with the backlog of applications. As of March 2024, over 35,000 people were being accommodated in 267 hotels, a significant reduction from the peak of 56,000 people in around 400 hotels just six months prior. However, with tens of thousands of asylum seekers waiting six months or more for an initial decision on their claims, the length of time individuals remain in asylum housing is directly tied to the inefficiencies in processing applications.

While community housing, such as shared flats or houses managed by accommodation providers, is far more cost-effective than hotels and other institutional housing, it remains in short supply. The recent decommissioning of the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge, which housed just over 300 people at a staggering cost of ￡170 per person per night, highlights the unsustainable nature of the current approach.

Despite the poor conditions and high costs, private sector companies awarded government contracts to run asylum accommodation have enjoyed record profits. The founder of one major contract holder even entered the Sunday Times rich list with a net worth of ￡750 million earlier this year. This stark contrast between the wealth accumulated by these companies and the dire living conditions faced by asylum seekers is a damning indictment of the current system.

To address these issues, we must focus on fast-tracking asylum decisions, particularly for those from countries with high rates of successful claims. By reducing the backlog and the time individuals spend in asylum housing, we can alleviate the pressure on the system and close the hotels that have become easy targets for far-right attacks.

Furthermore, as recommended by the commission on the integration of refugees, a shift away from the reliance on the private sector and towards a model where regional and local authorities are responsible for providing asylum housing could lead to more humane and cost-effective solutions. By investing the profits currently going to private companies back into communities, we can fund services that benefit both asylum seekers and the wider population.

Innovative approaches, such as paying individuals with spare rooms to house asylum seekers, subject to appropriate safeguards, could also provide a more compassionate alternative to the current model. As the backlog reduces and accommodation becomes available, these spaces could be repurposed to house other vulnerable populations, much like the use of hotels to shelter rough sleepers during the pandemic.

The attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and the appalling conditions within these facilities are a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in our asylum system. By prioritising the well-being of those seeking refuge, investing in community-based solutions, and addressing the inefficiencies in processing claims, we can create a more humane and sustainable approach to asylum housing. It is time for the government to act decisively and demonstrate that compassion and pragmatism can go hand in hand in addressing this complex issue.

?

William Gomes, a British-Bangladeshi anti-racism campaigner, advocate for the rights of displaced people, and a contributor to various publications. He can be reached at [email protected].