AN outcry has been sparked by plans to evict asylum seekers if they are refused refugee status.
The Women’s Asylum Seeker Housing Project raised fears that the decision could make up to 300 vulnerable asylum seekers in Glasgow homeless.
The policy will come into force today, with six asylum seekers served with a seven-day lock change notice.
Labour MSP Mary Fee said she was “utterly dismayed” by the “brutal” decision.
“The reality is that Serco are conducting a mass extra-judicial eviction of some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” she said.
Jenni Halliday, Serco contract director, said: “Serco has been providing housing free of charge to over 300 former asylum seekers who no longer have the right to stay in the UK.
“We have been paying for the rent, the rates, the heating and lighting, and insurance on their properties, in many cases for many months.
“Each of these former asylum seekers have been refused the right to stay in the UK by the government and the Home Office does not fund Serco to provide them with accommodation.
“We believe we have been more than supportive of these individuals by providing them with an additional period of housing in which to make alternative arrangements, but we cannot continue to provide free housing indefinitely.”
“We have therefore started legal proceedings to repossess our properties.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are provided with free, fully furnished accommodation while applications are considered.
“We also cover utility costs and provide a cash allowance to cover other essential living needs.
“While an asylum claim is outstanding, we would not be seeking removal. Even if an asylum claim has failed, we will provide accommodation for those who would otherwise be destitute and who are temporarily unable to leave the UK because of a practical or legal obstacle.
“However it is right that we prepare for someone’s removal if they do not have a lawful basis to stay in the UK and they are not pursuing an appeal.”
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