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Government Announces Trial to Extend Refugee Move-On Period

Charities and politicians have expressed support for a new trial initiated by the Home Office, which aims to significantly extend the duration that refugees have to secure housing before being evicted from their asylum accommodations.

The decision comes amidst increasing demands to extend the so-called move-on period, which is the timeframe allowed for those granted asylum to find stable housing and employment. Reports indicate a concerning rise in homelessness among refugees that has prompted calls for reform.

According to a letter obtained by the Guardian, the Home Office revealed that newly recognized refugees will now have 56 days to transition to new housing, a notable increase from the previous 28-day period. This adjustment will be enacted starting Monday and is scheduled to last until June 2025, during which an evaluation will be conducted to inform potential future decisions regarding the move-on process.

Responses to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, particularly as many brace for the upcoming winter months. Advocates are urging the government to make this change a permanent fixture in order to provide additional security for refugees.

Veteran Labour peer Alf Dubbs, who himself was a child refugee, described the extended period as “a good thing,” emphasizing that it gives refugees a better opportunity to find housing, even if it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of homelessness. He further noted a desire for clarity on whether the initiative will apply nationwide or be limited to specific areas.

Similarly, Labour peer Ruth Lister, who has backed a private member’s bill advocating for a permanent 56-day move-on period, welcomed the development but stressed that it remains a temporary solution. She pointed out that the previous 28-day move-on period often results in homelessness and hardship during what should be a joyous time for refugees.

Labour MP Deirdre Costigan remarked that individuals with the right to remain in the UK should not end up homeless and highlighted the pilot scheme’s potential to reduce reliance on asylum hotels and decrease the prevalence of rough sleeping.

Matt Downie, CEO of the homelessness charity Crisis, praised the government’s actions as “a hugely positive step” towards effectively addressing homelessness. He asserted the importance of making this change permanent to ensure that refugees who gain settled status do not face housing insecurity in the future.

The issue of refugee homelessness has escalated dramatically, with reports noting that asylum accommodation leavers comprised over half of the rough sleepers recorded last December—a staggering rise of nearly 1,000% since the previous July.

This sharp increase followed a controversial reduction in the move-on period from 28 days to just seven days, a decision made last August that sparked widespread criticism and led charities to distribute tents to refugees left homeless. In response to the uproar, the government eventually reverted the move-on period back to 28 days in December. However, many organizations continue to advocate for an extension due to the ongoing challenges faced by refugees navigating housing systems.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, expressed hope that the government’s pilot would facilitate a smoother transition for refugees as they adjust to their new lives. He emphasized the necessity of timely documentation to ensure that refugees do not face homelessness due to bureaucratic delays.

Phil Kerry, chief executive of the New Horizon youth centre, emphasized the importance of this change for the homelessness sector, particularly during the harsh winter months ahead. He noted that the sector has long been calling for an increase in the move-on period as urgent and necessary.

Sean Palmer, associated with St Mungo’s, echoed these sentiments, noting that the charity has consistently encountered rough sleeping refugees and that this trial represents a pivotal step toward providing a more stable and secure future for them.

A Home Office spokesperson reaffirmed that this initiative is a time-limited trial designed to aid local authorities while they tackle the asylum backlog and prepare for the transition to eVisas. They affirmed their commitment to addressing the challenges within the asylum system, including the aim to end the use of hotels for accommodation as part of their broader strategy.

Source
www.theguardian.com