UK government puts some asylum seekers on barges

April 5 (United Press International) — The Home Office said on Wednesday that 500 asylum-seeking migrants and other refugees would be housed on a barge along the Dorset coast following complaints from locals.

government Bibby Stockholm says, It will house single men and will be berthed in the Port of Portland. The Barbados-registered barge can accommodate about 500 people and has “basic and functional accommodation”.

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The Home Office, led by Minister Suella Braverman, said the barges would “relieve unsustainable pressure on the UK asylum system and reduce the cost to taxpayers of a significant increase in Channel crossings. Currently, the cost of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers is very high.” high [$7.47 million] one day. “

The barge will be equipped with health care facilities, catering facilities and round-the-clock security, officials added. Those whose asylum claims have been refused and who have exhausted appeal options will be deported from the UK, it said.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said in a statement: “The Home Secretary and I have made it clear that the use of expensive hotels to house those making unnecessary and dangerous travel must stop.” “We will not elevate the interests of illegal Migrants over the British people we are elected to serve.”

Immigrant rights groups and local lawmakers have largely opposed the barges, which the Netherlands has used for asylum seekers.

Enver Soloman, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, barge says “They are not being given what they need and the respect, dignity and support they deserve.”

Steve Valdez-Symonds from Amnesty UK says diverting migrants onto barges offshore more to do with politics rather than actually addressing the issues surrounding Britain’s growing immigration challenges.

“Except for the disastrous Rwanda program, all talk of barges, cruise ships and former army barracks should be dismissed,” Valdez-Symonds said. “Anyone who seeks asylum in this country should be placed in decent accommodation with appropriate facilities, and it is crucial that their application is handled properly and consistently.”