How many asylum seekers are there? 

According to the UN Refugee Agency, at the end of June 2024, 122.6 million had been forced to flee their homes. This is more than double the number of ten years ago in 2014. Of that figure, 59% have been displaced internally (within their country’s borders) and only 6.5% go on to claim asylum in another country.  

In 2025, the South West is hosting c. 4,500 asylum seekers.  

What is the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker? 

An official entity such as a government or the UN Refugee Agency can determine whether a person seeking international protection meets the definition of a refugee. Thos who obtain refugee status are given protections under international laws and conventions. There are several routes into the UK through pre-organised refugee resettlement routes. Please see Resettlement for more information. 

For those who have not had their refugee status determined legally, they must apply for protection in the country of their destination and must cross a border to apply. This is known as claiming asylum. It is impossible to claim asylum in a country from outside its borders. The 1951 Refugee Convention, of which the UK is a signatory, stipulates that people can seek asylum in any country they choose. Once people arrive in the UK there is a rigorous process during which their asylum cases are assessed before their refugee status is granted. Not everyone will have their asylum claim granted and become a refugee.  

Why do asylum seekers travel to the UK? 

The majority (69%) of asylum seekers claim asylum in their neighbouring country. The remainder go on to claim asylum anywhere in the world. According to The Migration Observatory, in 2023, the UK was the 5th largest recipient of asylum applications in Europe behind Germany, France, Spain and Italy.  

There are no legal restrictions on where a person is allowed to claim asylum. From discussions with asylum seekers, The British Red Cross has listed many reasons why someone might come to the UK. Firstly, many people are separated from family as they flee their homes or seek safety and often, they come to the UK to join family already here. Secondly, knowing some of the English language is a draw as it gives people the best chance of rebuilding their lives by going to school, volunteering, studying, finding employment etc. Finally, some asylum seekers are forced to rely on smugglers to get them to a place of safety and often they won’t know where they are until they arrive.  

Why are asylum seekers living in hotels? 

Whilst waiting for an asylum claim to be granted, asylum seekers cannot work, however, they are entitled to housing and a small amount of money to live on. Asylum seekers cannot choose where in the UK they are housed whilst awaiting a decision and the Home Office provides accommodation in the form of hotels, large sites and other housing. The decision-making process for an asylum application can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Complex cases sometimes take even longer. 

Who decides where asylum accommodation is placed? 

The Home Office has contracted the provider, Clearsprings Ready Homes, to manage the asylum accommodation in the South West. Both the Home Office and the provider work together to procure suitable accommodation for asylum seekers. The South West Strategic Migration Partnership works with relevant Local Authorities to provide advice and consultation on this procurement process.  

How long will asylum accommodation stay for?  

Ultimately, the government’s aim is to close hotels and rely on smaller sites and housing for asylum seekers as this is more cost-effective, increases self-sufficiency and allows for smoother integration post asylum decision if refugee status is granted. There are no dates set for closure of hotels so far. Asylum accommodation will continue to be necessary as long as asylum seekers are entering the UK and must wait before a decision is made on their claim.  

Who supports asylum seekers? 

The Home Office provides basic support including food and a small amount of money for toiletries/clothes etc. Clearsprings provide welfare checks and orientation. The Home Office has also contracted Migrant Help to provide additional advice and reporting services. In addition to this, the majority of Local Authorities where asylum seekers are placed in significant numbers have multi-agency forums including the NHS, police, town and parish councils, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and other government bodies to coordinate support and respond to needs.  

Are asylum seekers all adults? 

The majority of asylum seekers are single adult men but there are also single adult women and families that are also accommodated in the South West. Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) are cared for via local authority children’s social care services rather than using asylum accommodation.  

Can asylum seekers access local health services? 

Yes, they have a right to healthcare just as any person living in the UK does.  

Can asylum seekers claim benefits? 

No, people seeking asylum are not allowed to claim welfare benefits, nor are they allowed to work. They will, however, receive a small allowance from the government. People in hotels who have food provided receive £8.86 per week. People who live in general housing and need to buy food in addition to other essential items, receive £49.18 per week.  

Will asylum seeking children be placed in local schools? 

Yes, all children living in the UK have a right to education. This could be through attendance at a local school or college, or through another way depending on the needs of the child and/or the capacity of schools and colleges in the vicinity of where they are placed.  

How will the safety of asylum seekers and the community they’re accommodated in be maintained? 

On arrival, all asylum seekers are given in induction and guidance about the local area to learn about the culture and expectations of living in the UK.  

The police deal with any reports or concerns as they would in any other circumstance. During procurement, the police are one of the many sectors and partners consulted. All are given the opportunity to raise any concerns about the location and context of the accommodation.  

If anyone has a crime to report, they should do so using the usual way of calling 101, or if an emergency, 999.  

Who do I contact if I want to learn more? 

If you would like to know more about asylum accommodation in the South West, please get in contact with us via info@swcouncils.gov.uk. South West SMP hosts a quarterly asylum forum meeting which is attended by all local government and voluntary sector organisations and representatives and partner agencies.  

The Home Office has a public enquiry email address which can also be used: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk