- The United Kingdom Home Office announces plans to phase out government-funded asylum hotels
- The officials say some migrants travel through safe European countries to reach Britain
- The policy follows protests and criticism over housing asylum seekers in hotels
The United Kingdom’s Home Office has announced plans to phase out government-funded asylum hotels as part of a wider set of immigration reforms aimed at reducing the number of refugees entering the country, including those from Nigeria and other nations.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, February 9, the department argued that the current system was being exploited by some asylum seekers who travel through other European states before arriving in Britain. It also said it would withdraw support from migrants who break the law.
“Right now, migrants are crossing safe countries in Europe because of how generous our asylum system is.
“No more. We’re closing asylum hotels and ensuring that those who break our laws have their support removed,” the Home Office said.
The announcement signals a major shift in the government’s approach to housing asylum seekers, with hotels long criticised by ministers and members of the public as expensive and unsustainable.
Officials have said the move is intended to curb costs and discourage irregular migration routes into the UK.
The policy change comes alongside other tougher immigration measures rolled out in recent months. In November, the government unveiled new rules requiring migrants from Nigeria and several other countries to meet stricter English-language standards before being considered fully integrated into British society.
“If you come to the UK, you must learn our language and play your part. From January 2026, migrants will be required to pass tough new English language requirements so they can contribute fully to our national life,” the department added.
Asylum hotels have been a focal point of anti-immigration campaigns across the country, with critics arguing that the government should prioritise housing for British citizens at a time of rising homelessness and pressure on public services.
Several hotels used to accommodate asylum seekers were targeted during protests against mass immigration across the UK last year, highlighting the politically sensitive nature of the issue.
While the Home Office has not yet released a detailed timeline for how quickly the hotels will be closed or what alternative accommodation arrangements will replace them, officials insist the reforms are part of a broader effort to tighten border controls and reshape the asylum system.
Canada denies 1,596 Nigerian asylum claims in 2025 despite higher acceptance rate
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Canada rejected 1,596 asylum claims from Nigerian nationals in 2025, with 2,292 approved out of 3,548 total applications, as rising numbers continued to test the refugee system and highlighted migration challenges.
Experts cited Boko Haram violence, economic hardship, and irregular migration as key drivers behind the high volume of claims.