SCOTLAND’S Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has launched a fierce attack on the Home Office’s decision to restart the repatriation of failed asylum seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Office had continued to provide accommodation for those granted asylum and failed asylum seekers while lockdown restrictions were in place, but that decision is being reversed.

In a letter to Chris Philp, UK Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Campbell wrote: “ I am utterly astonished and dismayed to learn that you are pressing ahead with restarting moves on processes for people with negative asylum decisions in the midst of a global pandemic that continues to threaten public health.

“This is particularly concerning following the recent significant increases in Covid-19 cases and the additional restrictions put in place this week by both of our governments.

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“I believe that the pause the Home Office put in place on ending support to people at the end of the asylum process at the outset of the pandemic was the right thing to do to keep people safe and protected.

“It is extremely disappointing that this pause is now ending for those who are most vulnerable to destitution and homelessness at such a dangerous moment in our progress through the pandemic.

The Scottish Government, local authorities and the third sector have all put immense effort and substantial resources into ensuring that everyone in our communities is safe and supported, with a roof over their heads, including those with no recourse to public funds. Now is very definitely not the time to be risking the delicate progress we have made.”

Glasgow has been by far the largest recipient of asylum seekers in the new scheme, and Campbell said: “As you may be aware, Glasgow was already subject to additional restrictions prior to this week, due to the public health concerns arising from increasing numbers of cases of Covid-19 in the city.

“With winter approaching and falling temperatures that may provide a more conducive environment for the spread of Covid-19, your decision is increasing the risk of having significant numbers of people on the streets with no support.

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“We know that people from minority ethnic communities have been particularly adversely affected by Covid-19. This makes us all the more concerned about the impact of ending support to people with negative asylum decisions.

“You will be aware that there were significant concerns across communities in Glasgow when Serco moved to evict people from their asylum accommodation two years ago. These concerns would be magnified in the event that people were threatened with eviction during a pandemic.

“I recognise there will come a time when move on processes will have to restart for people with negative asylum decisions. However, that must be done in a supportive way that does not leave people in limbo, and it must not take place until we have reached a point in our recovery where we can be confident that Covid-19 is no longer a significant risk to public health.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The phased cessation of support has now begun in order to reduce the demand on the asylum system. We have been clear from the outset that this was a temporary measure which would be brought to an end as soon as it was safe to do so.

“Those who have received a negative asylum decision, which means they have no right to remain the UK, are given a 21-day grace period. During this time they are expected to make steps to return to their country of origin while still remaining in accommodation and receiving support.

“Assistance is available for those who leave voluntarily, but for those who do not, enforcement action may be taken to facilitate removal.”