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Asylum seekers who received eviction notices reported feeling “confused and scared”, indicating that they had to choose between returning to the countries of origin from which they fled persecution or being left homeless in the UK when support services are limited due to the high incidence of the coronavirus.
In March, the British Home Office announced that asylum seekers would not be required to leave their place of residence once their application or appeal was decided, as a precautionary measure in response to the epidemic.
Charities and lawyers have warned that evacuating people to the streets when victims increase represents a risk both for asylum seekers and for society at large, especially when the night shelters and support networks normally available to displaced migrants they do not work.
During a meeting with the Interior Ministry two weeks ago, municipalities were informed that asylum seekers would not be expelled in areas under local restrictions, but none of this had happened in some cities.
The Greater Manchester Law Center, which filed appeals against the eviction notices of three people in Manchester last week (all of which are still being challenged by the government), sent a letter to the Home Office this week warning against taking legal action. .
The letter maintains that the ministry’s decision to prosecute the evictions is illegal because it contravenes the government’s own directives and violates the human rights of asylum seekers, while endangering the wider community.
One of those affected by the eviction decision told the newspaper that a person from his country is Togo due to political persecution in 2013, adding: “It is very shocking that this happens during this epidemic, I do not know where I will go. I am very tense”.
“I was homeless in 2015, I lived with a charity for a year and with a priest for another two years, the priest is too old so I can’t go back there and the charity is closed, I don’t know where to go. I can’t even stay with friends, “he added. I do not know what to do now “.
He continued: “It is not possible for me to return to my country, my life is in danger if I return. They will kill me if I return. I would rather die here than return home.”
A spokesman for the Interior Ministry said it would not comment on the legal process.
“Those who have received a negative asylum decision, which means that they do not have the right to stay in the UK, are given a grace period of 21 days. During this time, they are expected to take the necessary steps to return to their country. of origin while they remain in their residence and receive support. ” .
He continued: “As the Minister of the Interior said, we are determined to reform the broken asylum system to make it more firm and just, understanding with those fleeing oppression, persecution and tyranny, but cruel with those who abuse our system.”
