ASYLUM seekers are living under a “climate of fear” six weeks on from the Park Inn attack, it is claimed.
Charity Positive Action in Housing (PAIH) says it has had contact with around 100 individuals placed into Glasgow hotels by Home Office contractor Mears at the outset of the coronavirus crisis.
The move out of private accommodation was explained by the company as a Covid-19 control measure, but was heavily criticised by agencies even before the June knife attack by Sudanese national Badreddin Abadlla Adam, who had complained of living conditions at the Park Inn hotel.
READ MORE: ‘A catastrophe’: Asylum seeker tells of anguish after Glasgow stabbing
Asylum seekers, hotel staff and a police officer were injured in the incident, during which Adam was shot dead. Enquiries into the incident continue.
Mears is now moving clients back into flats, but PAIH has shared images of unclean properties and, in a letter to Home Office minister Chris Philp, has called on the government to order a suspension of all moves until “suitable, clean and Covid-19 sanitised accommodation is found”.
The letter, written by PAIH director Robina Qureshi on behalf of nine named asylum seekers currently living at the Tartan Lodge hotel, states that they are “frightened of being returned to unsafe countries for complaining” about accommodation provision.
It also raises serious concerns about safety assessments after two men left the shared flat they had been taken to over fears about the mental health and behaviour of the man already staying there.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We do not recognise these allegations. The welfare of asylum seekers is taken extremely seriously, which is why we provide free furnished accommodation if needed, follow expert public health advice at every step, and provide access to a 24/7 helpline run by an independent charity.
“Housing providers have absolutely no bearing on someone’s asylum claim with us.”
Mears stated: “We do not recognise these claims. Mears are re-housing asylum seekers from hotels to dispersed accommodation as it becomes available, and following health and government guidance on Covid-19 safety.
“Discussions take place with service users prior to moves and regular welfare checks are made following moves. We work to resolve any issues or problems with accommodation that are raised.”
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