Migrant Voice have been engaging with asylum seekers accommodated in hotels across London, to learn about their conditions and experiences.
We are currently conducting a survey and we will be launching a report on the conditions and experiences of asylum seekers as part of a campaign to give them a voice and improve their situation.
The campaign came about from hearing from a number of asylum seekers in hotels and organisations supporting them. We learnt that some of the hotels are overcrowded, with some having up to ten people in one room and one toilet for the whole floor. We’ve heard complaints about the quality of the food, the lack of support, the mistreatment from some staff, lengthy waiting times in hotels which can exceed a year and a half, and lack of communication from the Home Office.
Among the asylum seekers are families, children and women, some of whom pregnant, who did not receive proper care. We are aware of women who have not been moved out of the hotel, even after giving birth.
Many of the asylum seekers do not have access to classes, language courses, mental health support or other activities. This has a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental health.
We will be working with asylum seekers to take our findings to local authorities, the Mayor of London and to Parliament.
More information will be shared in due course. Please contact Migrant Voice or Status Now Network if you’d like to get involved or to find out more.