The potential cost
A think-tank has warned that the cost of housing migrants in hotels could reach a staggering £5 billion per year if the influx of boats crossing the English Channel is not halted. Experts are concerned that the current backlog of migrants could become a permanent issue, with thousands of people requiring long-term accommodation and support.
The growing crisis
With over 130,000 migrants awaiting processing and small boat arrivals surpassing 18,000 this year, the situation is set to worsen. Despite the recent arrival of several vessels in thick fog, including at Dungeness, Kent, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) predicts that the crisis will become even more severe by the next General Election, which is due to take place before January 2025.
Pending policy and legal concerns
The policy of flying asylum-seekers to Rwanda for processing is currently on hold, pending a court ruling on its legality. Marley Morris, a spokesperson for the IPPR, stated that even if the policy is approved and the Illegal Migration Act is fully implemented, the number of arrivals is likely to outpace removals, leading to a growing population of people living in limbo. This would place significant strain on Home Office accommodation and support systems, presenting a dire and increasingly costly challenge for any incoming government.
Government response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that small boat crossings have decreased since last year but expressed the urgent need to address the issue. While he acknowledged that finding a solution is not easy and cannot be achieved overnight, he remains determined to tackle the problem head-on, making it one of his top priorities.
