How many migrants are there, in UK, living in hotels payed by the government?

 

As of mid-2024, the UK government has been housing approximately 50,000 to 60,000 asylum seekers and migrants in hotels at taxpayer expense, according to official reports and audits. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Key Statistics

1. Current Numbers:

   • 50,000+ asylum seekers were housed in hotels as of early 2024 (UK Home Office data).

   • An additional 3,000–5,000 vulnerable migrants (including unaccompanied minors or victims of trafficking) may also be accommodated in hotels or similar facilities.

2. Cost to Taxpayers:

   • The UK spends £8–10 million per day (over £3 billion annually) on hotel accommodations for migrants, a figure criticized for being unsustainable.

   • Hotels charge the government £120–150 per person per night, far higher than standard social housing costs.

3. Reasons for Hotel Use:

   • Backlog in Asylum Processing: Over 138,000 pending asylum cases (as of 2023) strain the system.

   • Lack of Alternative Housing: Local councils face shortages of social housing.

   • Barge and Shelter Controversies: The government has tried (and often failed) to move migrants to barges (e.g., Bibby Stockholm) or military bases to cut costs.

4. Nationalities:

   • Top countries of origin include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Eritrea, with many arriving via small boats across the English Channel.

Government Plans to Reduce Reliance on Hotels

• Rwanda Deportation Scheme: A stalled policy aimed to deter Channel crossings by relocating some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Legal challenges have delayed implementation.

• Expanded Detention and "Returns": Increased raids and detention centers to deport failed asylum seekers.

• Cheaper Accommodation: Proposals to use disused holiday parks, student halls, or modular housing.

Controversies

• Local Opposition: Communities near migrant hotels often protest, citing strained resources.

• Human Rights Concerns: NGOs criticize overcrowding and poor conditions in some facilities.

Sources

• UK Home Office reports (2023–2024).

• National Audit Office (NAO) cost analyses.

• BBC, The Guardian, and The Telegraph coverage.

From DeepSeek