More than 10 asylum hotels set to be closed by UK government

WorldPolitics
13 Apr 2026 • 6:23 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

More than 10 asylum hotels set to be closed by UK government

  • The government is set to close 11 more "asylum hotels" next week as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle illegal immigration.
  • This action is part of a wider strategy to completely cease the use of hotel accommodation for irregular migrants.
  • The Home Office is reportedly holding a private "industry day" this week for potential future providers of asylum accommodation, with attendees required to sign non-disclosure agreements.
  • This event is linked to a new £10bn contract, the "Future Asylum Contracts Accommodation", which will run from 2029 to 2036, with an option to extend, aiming to reduce reliance on hotels.
  • Funding for asylum accommodation controversially includes a portion of the overseas aid budget, and the Home Office claims a nearly 20 per cent reduction in hotel occupancy over the last year, cutting costs by almost £1bn.

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