Changes in the policy of evacuation for refugees in Great Britain

• The change in the evacuation term for refugees has caused a recorded increase
• Charitable organizations warn about the rising homelessness
• Shortening the term to search for housing leads to people living on the streets

Thousands of refugees in Great Britain may find themselves on the streets this winter due to changes in the policy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ministers decided to shorten the term for finding new housing, from 56 to 28 days after receiving a positive decision on the case. This decision has caused outrage among charitable organizations that warn about the rising homelessness among refugees.

Refugees who have received status may be evicted from the hotels where they have been living while waiting for a decision. The reduction in the term to search for housing has led to an increase in cases where people end up on the streets.

Charitable organizations, including the British Red Cross, state that 28 days is insufficient for finding housing and work. According to the words of the director of the British Red Cross, Alex Fraser, the existing terms do not reflect reality, as obtaining universal credits takes about 35 days.

In the 2023/2024 years, homelessness among refugees increased by 99%, while cases of people sleeping on the streets increased by 125%. Earlier, in the summer of 2024, the government approved a temporary program for 56 days, which reduced the level of homelessness among new refugees, but now it is reverting to a shorter term.

The government is already facing a crisis due to the use of hotels for refugees, and ministers are under pressure to restrict the closure of such facilities. However, shortening the term for searching for new housing may lead to an increase in homelessness.

Tags: Europe/Politics