Bibby Stockholm: Asylum seekers moved off Dorset barge


The Bibby Stockholm, a barge that has been used to accommodate hundreds of asylum seekers in Portland Port in Dorset, has seen approximately 300 residents moved out while about 100 more remain on board pending decisions on their asylum status. Once the residents have been moved to temporary accommodation, they are informed whether they have been granted leave to remain in the UK. If their claim is successful, they have 30 days to find new living arrangements. Home Office confirmed that those leaving the barge would not be moved to Portland, Weymouth, or elsewhere in the Dorset Council area.  

According to campaigners who have been assisting the asylum seekers, several have been dispersed around various parts of the country such as Wolverhampton, Bristol, and Worksop. The Home Office stated that it was committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers and that its prompt action in restarting the processing of asylum claims would save taxpayers an expected £7bn over the next decade while significantly reducing the backlog of asylum claims.

Giovanna Lewis of the Portland Global Friendship Group, informed the public that the men were taken home individually via taxi and that they would be supported by the Home Office for a duration of three to four weeks while waiting for the verdict on their status. Those who are offered the right to stay would have 30 days to find alternative accommodation, whereas those who are denied have the right to appeal and will be supported while the appeal is taking place.  

The pressure on the Home Office to find alternative accommodation for the increasing number of those in need of asylum has been increasing. Through reducing the dependence on hotel accommodation, the Home Office is confident that it can make significant savings while creating greater efficiency in reducing the backlog of asylum claims

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