UK to phase out government-funded asylum hotels to tighten immigration controls
The UK government claimed that some migrants were deliberately travelling through safe European countries to reach Britain because of what it described as a generous asylum system.
The United Kingdom has announced plans to phase out government-funded asylum hotels as part of a sweeping push to tighten immigration controls and reduce the number of people seeking refuge in the country.
The UK Home Office, on Monday, said the move forms part of reforms to discourage irregular migration and speed up the asylum system.
In a statement posted on X, the department claimed that some migrants were deliberately travelling through safe European countries to reach Britain because of what it described as a generous asylum system.
The Home Office said it would withdraw accommodation and financial support from asylum seekers who break the law, signalling a tougher approach to enforcement.
"No more. We’re closing asylum hotels and ensuring that those who break our laws have their support removed," the department said.
Officials have repeatedly said that the current system places a heavy financial burden on taxpayers, with thousands of asylum seekers housed in hotels while their claims are processed. The government has faced criticism over rising accommodation costs and long delays in deciding applications.
NEW RULES ON LANGUAGE
The move is part of a series of tighter immigration measures introduced in recent months, including new requirements for migrants to demonstrate stronger English language skills.
Under a policy announced in November, migrants from Nigeria and other countries will be required to meet higher language standards before fully integrating into British society.
"If you come to the UK, you must learn our language and play your part. From January 2026, migrants will be required to pass tough new English language requirements so they can contribute fully to our national life," the Home Office said.
WHAT ARE ASYLUM HOTELS?
Asylum hotels are temporary accommodation facilities funded by the government to house people who are waiting for a decision on their asylum claims. They are typically used when regular housing is unavailable or overcrowded. Residents are usually provided with basic meals and limited financial support but are not allowed to work.
The use of hotels has been criticised for being expensive and unsuitable for long-term stays.
The United Kingdom has announced plans to phase out government-funded asylum hotels as part of a sweeping push to tighten immigration controls and reduce the number of people seeking refuge in the country.
The UK Home Office, on Monday, said the move forms part of reforms to discourage irregular migration and speed up the asylum system.
In a statement posted on X, the department claimed that some migrants were deliberately travelling through safe European countries to reach Britain because of what it described as a generous asylum system.
The Home Office said it would withdraw accommodation and financial support from asylum seekers who break the law, signalling a tougher approach to enforcement.
"No more. We’re closing asylum hotels and ensuring that those who break our laws have their support removed," the department said.
Officials have repeatedly said that the current system places a heavy financial burden on taxpayers, with thousands of asylum seekers housed in hotels while their claims are processed. The government has faced criticism over rising accommodation costs and long delays in deciding applications.
NEW RULES ON LANGUAGE
The move is part of a series of tighter immigration measures introduced in recent months, including new requirements for migrants to demonstrate stronger English language skills.
Under a policy announced in November, migrants from Nigeria and other countries will be required to meet higher language standards before fully integrating into British society.
"If you come to the UK, you must learn our language and play your part. From January 2026, migrants will be required to pass tough new English language requirements so they can contribute fully to our national life," the Home Office said.
WHAT ARE ASYLUM HOTELS?
Asylum hotels are temporary accommodation facilities funded by the government to house people who are waiting for a decision on their asylum claims. They are typically used when regular housing is unavailable or overcrowded. Residents are usually provided with basic meals and limited financial support but are not allowed to work.
The use of hotels has been criticised for being expensive and unsuitable for long-term stays.