Key Takeaways
- The number of homeless refugees in the UK has more than doubled in the last two years, with over 3,450 refugees and migrants unable to access accommodation in 2024-25.
- The introduction of eVisas and constant government policy changes have been blamed for the increase in homelessness among refugees.
- Refugees who are housed are facing a 106% increase in numbers, with 2,008 refugees accommodated in 2024-25.
- The Home Office has reduced the move-on period for new refugees from 56 days to 28 days, which has been linked to the rise in street homelessness among refugees.
- NGOs and charities are calling for a review of the policy and for more support to be provided to refugees to help them access accommodation and employment.
Introduction to the Homelessness Crisis
The UK is facing a growing homelessness crisis, with thousands of refugees struggling to access accommodation and support. According to a network of over 100 organizations across the UK, homelessness among refugees has more than doubled in the last two years. The national charity, Naccom, which represents 140 frontline refugee and migrant organizations, has blamed the increase on "near-constant government policy changes" and the introduction of eVisas, which some refugees have not been able to activate in order to access vital services and support.
The Impact of Government Policy Changes
The introduction of eVisas has been particularly problematic, with some refugees unable to access the support they need to find accommodation and employment. The constant changes to government policy have also made it easier for people to fall into destitution and homelessness, and harder to find a way out. As Bridget Young, the Naccom director, stated, "Successive governments have expanded the hostile environment through constant, reactive policy changes that make it easier for people to fall into destitution and homelessness and harder to find a way out." The survey period coincided with a terrifying summer of rioting organized by the far right, and anti-immigration sentiment has continued to creep into mainstream politics, encapsulated by recent policy announcements that are set to increase homelessness and destitution further.
The Reality of Homelessness Among Refugees
The reality of homelessness among refugees is stark, with many people sleeping rough and facing assault and having their belongings trashed by individuals supporting anti-immigrant protests. In one recent case, Asylum Welcome, a refugee charity in Oxfordshire, was asked for accommodation support for 48 newly recognized refugees who had been evicted from asylum accommodation in a single month, with many left sleeping rough. For those the charity was unable to find accommodation for, it could offer only a sleeping bag. This is just one example of the many cases of refugees struggling to access accommodation and support, and highlights the need for urgent action to address the homelessness crisis.
The Home Office Pilot and Its Impact
In December 2024, the Home Office launched a pilot extending the move-on period for new refugees from 28 days to 56 days, to give people more time to sort out alternative accommodation and find employment. However, this pilot ended in September, and the move-on period has been reduced back to 28 days for single adults. According to an internal Home Office letter, more vulnerable groups, including sick, disabled, and elderly people, will also have their move-on period reduced to 28 days by the end of the month. This policy has been challenged in the high court, with some orders being issued halting enforcement of the 28-day move-on period due to the risk of destitution.
The Response from the Home Office
A Home Office spokesperson stated that "The 56-day move on period remains in place for all families and vulnerable individuals until the end of the year. We are working with local councils, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure any necessary assistance is provided for those individuals who are granted refugee status. An independent evaluation of the pilot is still ongoing." However, NGOs and charities are calling for a review of the policy and for more support to be provided to refugees to help them access accommodation and employment. The reduction in the move-on period has been linked to the rise in street homelessness among refugees, and it is essential that the government takes urgent action to address this crisis.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The homelessness crisis among refugees in the UK is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. The introduction of eVisas and constant government policy changes have exacerbated the problem, and the reduction in the move-on period has been linked to the rise in street homelessness among refugees. It is essential that the government reviews its policies and provides more support to refugees to help them access accommodation and employment. NGOs and charities are calling for urgent action to address the crisis, and it is crucial that the government listens to their concerns and takes immediate action to prevent further destitution and homelessness among refugees.
