A damning report has uncovered significant errors leading to the disappearance of rejected asylum seekers, labeling the situation as “shocking and unacceptable.” Members of Parliament expressed concern after the Home Office acknowledged its knowledge of the whereabouts of most rejected applicants but not all. They also criticized the lack of a clear plan to transition asylum seekers out of hotel accommodations.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) conducted a study revealing the asylum system’s inability to handle the immense pressure it is under. Critics attribute this failure to poorly planned policies aimed at garnering attention.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the committee chair, stated that the report reveals a troubling scenario within the asylum system, indicating a loss of control. He criticized the government’s reactive approach, lacking a cohesive strategy to address challenges effectively.
The report highlighted the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the system for tracking failed asylum seekers. It criticized the Home Office for not having a precise count of individuals who have left the country and emphasized the unacceptable nature of the current situation.
The committee urged the government to disclose the estimated number of failed asylum seekers in the country and detail plans to establish contact with them. Concerns were raised about the lack of consultation with local authorities regarding accommodation decisions and the impact on local services.
Keir Starmer pledged to close all hotels used for asylum seekers by 2029, aiming for an earlier timeline. Alternative accommodation options such as former military bases and student buildings are being explored.
Spending on asylum accommodation in the 2024-25 fiscal year reached approximately £3.4 billion, with the number of hotels decreasing from a peak of about 400 to less than 200 by late 2025. The Home Office reported saving £700 million in the previous year but faced criticism for costly missteps in accommodation decisions.
The report also highlighted the need to prevent excessive profits by contractors providing asylum accommodation. Strong actions were recommended to avoid further costly errors and curb profiteering practices.
Various organizations, including the Refugee Council and Freedom from Torture, emphasized the importance of a fair and humane asylum system. They called for reforms to prioritize quality over speed, ensuring proper assessment of protection needs and support for individuals to rebuild their lives safely.
The Home Office defended its actions, citing a decrease in asylum claims, reduced hotel usage, and heightened immigration enforcement activities. It emphasized efforts to track down and apprehend individuals who violate bail conditions by absconding.