Thousands of refugees set to be evicted from Home Office accommodation within two weeks

Refugees will face ‘cliff edge’ in support unless suspension on evictions is extended, charities warn

Hundreds of evacuees can be kicked out from their government-funded lodging within a matter of weeks, prompting concerns of a “new mass homelessness populace” throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Office announced at the end of March that asylum hunters would certainly not be asked to leave their accommodation once their case or allure had been made a decision for the following 3 months because of the lockdown.

Ministers claimed the halt on expulsions would be examined in June, but charities are still waiting to get an upgrade from federal government, and fear many newly approved refugees, and also asylum seekers that have gotten negative decisions, will face a “cliff side” in assistance in a fortnight.

The government is already under scrutiny over its therapy of immigrants after the Windrush scandal saw hundreds of Caribbean travelers living as well as operating in the UK mistakenly targeted as a result of its “aggressive environment” policies.

Hazel Williams, national director at the NACCOM Network, said: “We are extremely concerned that thousands of newly granted refugees and people seeking asylum could be evicted from their Home Office accommodation over the next few months, leaving them homeless and unable to access services, many with no recourse to public funds.

“The cliff edge we feared could become a reality as we still await news of the Home Office plans. Creating a new mass homelessness population, is not only inhumane, but during a global pandemic creates the potential for a public health disaster.

Ms Williams called for the suspension of evictions to be extended for the next 12 months to enable people to access the advice and support they need.

Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, said: “A responsible and humane government would never intentionally make people homeless.

“If this government does restart mass evictions it will heap yet more misery on people seeking asylum. Many are already suffering in this pandemic, struggling to meet their essential needs due to appallingly low financial support.

“The government must provide more clarity on its timeline for evictions, and make sure the asylum support system keeps a roof over people’s heads and food on their table.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We have said very clearly that we are taking a compassionate approach during this pandemic with those affected by circumstances beyond their control. Action has been taken across the asylum system to help, including supporting people who would otherwise have been destitute with accommodation and essential living costs, and it is right that we review arrangements at the end of June to make sure the most appropriate support is in place.”