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Political reporter Joshua Nevett has reported on the UK government facing pressure to provide support to Chagos Islanders who have been arriving in the country to claim their British citizenship rights and are in need of temporary housing. The surge in arrivals at Heathrow Airport in Hillingdon has reached a total of over 600 since last July, with 152 Chagossians arriving this week alone. The council estimates spending £2m this year to assist homeless British-Chagossians, putting a strain on housing resources and causing financial strain.
Although the Chagossians coming from Mauritius claim they feel unsafe due to the UK’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to the country, the UK government argues that the influx of arrivals is not related to this deal. The islands have been a UK overseas territory, but a recent agreement was signed to transfer control to Mauritius, with the UK paying £101m annually for 99 years to maintain a military base on Diego Garcia. This transfer has caused discontent among many Chagossians, who want the UK to retain sovereignty over the islands.
One of the arrivals, Damien Dursonial, expressed his reasons for resettling in the UK with his family, citing safety, respect, and recognition as British citizens as motivating factors. He criticized the government for not providing support, leaving the burden on local councils like Hillingdon, which has incurred significant costs in accommodating arrivals. The council has requested financial assistance from the government as the situation is straining resources and risking financial stability.
Despite the historical context of the Chagos Islands being under British control since 1814, the current situation has seen Chagossians seeking refuge in the UK while awaiting a clear pathway to return to their homeland. The uncertainty surrounding their future and the handover of the islands to Mauritius without consultation have created further challenges for the community. Local authorities like Hillingdon Council are grappling with the legal duty to assist homeless individuals, including Chagossians, highlighting the need for coordinated support and resources to address the growing demand
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