The systematic failure of the asylum system in the UK

Official figures in the UK show a fourfold increase in homelessness among asylum seekers who have left the asylum system, with 16,500 people registered as homeless in the year to June, up from 4,000 the previous year.

The alarming rise highlights systemic failures in the protection of refugees and the wider asylum system in the UK. Meanwhile, refugee accommodation conditions have also drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and advocacy organizations.

One such human rights organization (the iPaper Group) reported that Mears Group, a contractor responsible for housing refugees, has been criticized for providing substandard living conditions, including pest infestations, structural problems and fundamental structural deficiencies.

Despite earning £1bn from its contract with the UK Home Office since 2020, the company has defended its performance, attributing its profit growth to increased demand; it also claims that maintenance efforts are ongoing.

The iPaper report states that the incorrect or delayed issuance of crucial documents, like residency permits, is one of the primary causes of homelessness among refugees.

To obtain housing, work, and benefits, these documents are necessary. Because of these systemic inefficiencies, the status of many refugees is left in limbo.

Changes to the "transition period," which is the time frame during which refugees are permitted to vacate their asylum accommodations, have also had an impact on the situation. In August 2023, the UK government shortened this time frame.

Because of this, a large number of asylum seekers have been kicked out of refugee housing before they have the paperwork needed to find housing or financial assistance. Poor planning and administrative hold-ups continue to deprive refugees of viable options and push a large number of them into homelessness.

Irresponsibility of relevant institutions

The state of the properties managed by the Myers Group, which oversees asylum accommodations, has long been a source of serious criticism. Numerous issues, such as mold, damp, collapsed roofs, and fire hazards, have been found during facility inspections in northern England.

Basic safety features like smoke alarms are reportedly absent from some properties, while major damage, such as damaged wiring and insufficient hot water, is reported in others.

Despite these failings, Myers has made a significant profit from its contract with the Home Office. The windfall has angered advocates and rights groups. Critics say the companies are performing far below acceptable standards given the resources they have.

Rights organizations and advocates have called the situation a national scandal. The CEO of the nonprofit organization Refugee Action, Tim Nauer-Hilton, has advocated for a significant overhaul of the system for housing refugees.

He contends that this kind of adjustment would guarantee that public monies are used for community assistance and refugee welfare rather than for corporate profits.