Afghan refugees ‘to be evicted from hotels’

Thousands of Afghan refugees currently living in hotels in the UK will reportedly be offered a property under new Government plans.

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer is due to make an announcement in the Commons later (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

Thousands of Afghan refugees are reportedly set to be forced out of hotels, under new Government plans.

The Times newspaper reports that the Government will announce later on Tuesday that Afghan refugees, between 8,000 and 9,000 of whom are currently living in hotels in the UK, will be given a few months’ notice before being moved out.

The news is likely to spark concerns that some Afghan refugees could become homeless.

According to the paper, the plan will not apply to asylum seekers housed in hotels by the Home Office.

The move, due to be announced by veterans minister Johnny Mercer, will reportedly see refugees offered a property, although those who fail to take up the offer ahead of a deadline will be asked to vacate their hotel.

The details are expected to come as part of an announcement to the Commons later, with Mr Mercer set to tell MPs that the Government will find permanent homes for refugees.

Thousands of Afghan refugees arrived in the UK following the Taliban takeover and the fall of Kabul in 2021.

Figures provided to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed that £5.6 million a day was being spent on hotels for people who have arrived in the UK and have submitted an asylum claim, with £1.2 million paid to house Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban.