A recent policy change by the UK Home Office has raised concerns among charities and advocacy groups, who warn that thousands of refugees and survivors of trafficking could find themselves homeless due to the reduced notice period for eviction.
Until recently, asylum seekers who successfully make it to refugee status had 28 days to secure alternative accommodation after receiving a “notice to quit.” However, this period has been shortened to a minimum of just 7 days.
Advocates had urged the government to extend the eviction notice period to 56 days, arguing that the shortened timeframe severely hampers individuals’ ability to find new housing, secure employment, or access benefits.
A UK tabloid, The Guardian interviewed a survivor of trafficking who had been granted leave to remain by the Home Office. Despite welcoming her newly acquired status, she expressed shock at the truncated timeframe for eviction.
She stated, “My hands are still shaking. We started packing but we don’t know where we are going. Things were stable and now they are messed up.” The survivor, who was living with her 13-year-old daughter, highlighted the challenges she faces, especially considering her daughter’s schooling and her own pursuit of a university course.
Zoe Dexter from the Helen Bamber Foundation, providing support to the survivor and her daughter, strongly condemned the Home Office’s policy change. She emphasized that the reduced notice period puts vulnerable individuals at increased risk of homelessness, destitution, and exploitation.
Dexter stated, “Seven days is simply untenable and puts thousands of survivors of trafficking and refugees at increased risk of homelessness, destitution and exploitation as they face eviction with nowhere to go.”
As concerns grow over the potential consequences of this policy change, the Home Office maintains that the eligibility for asylum support remains intact. While advocating for individuals to plan their onward steps promptly after receiving their decision, the government’s response has not alleviated the apprehensions expressed by experts and advocates in the field.
Predictions Amidst Uncertainty
The new policy’s impact on refugees and survivors of trafficking remains a pressing concern. As the seven-day eviction notice raises alarms among advocacy groups, it remains to be seen whether the Home Office will consider further adjustments to ensure the welfare of vulnerable individuals.
The potential rise in homelessness and its associated challenges, including destitution and exploitation, could catalyse stronger demands for policy reform and more comprehensive support systems for those affected.
While the government asserts that the policy aims to encourage timely onward plans, the onus may be on authorities to strike a balance between administrative efficiency and safeguarding the well-being of those seeking refuge in the country.
