Asylum seekers have ‘right’ to problem transfer to Bibby barge – charity
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ampaigners have accused the Government of “threatening” to make asylum seekers with out authorized illustration “homeless” if they don’t transfer onto the Bibby Stockholm barge.
Care4Calais mentioned it had “serious concerns” in regards to the wording of notices issued by the Home Office to migrants telling them they are going to be despatched to reside on the vessel.
The charity mentioned the language used suggests the transfer is obligatory, when “they are entitled to say no” and have a proper to problem the choice and search authorized illustration.
It comes after asylum seekers who refused to maneuver onto the barge on Monday have been reportedly given 24 hours to alter their thoughts and board or face having their authorities assist cancelled.
Steve Smith, chief govt of the refugee charity, mentioned: “Everyone has a right to access justice in the UK, and that includes the right to access legal advice. It is really clear that there are issues with Bibby Stockholm letters, which are being issued by the Government, and this fundamental right.
“Every asylum seeker who receives a Bibby Stockholm letter has the right to challenge it, and there are multiple reasons for them to do so – from people’s mental and physical health, to some of clients being disabled.
“We have serious concerns that the letters, as they have been issued, portray a strong element of compulsion when in fact asylum seekers are entitled to say no.”
It was “becoming clear that the Government is now trying to target those asylum seekers who have been unable to secure legal representation, by threatening to make them homeless if they don’t move”, Mr Smith mentioned.
“As a refugee charity we take our own responsibilities seriously, and that’s why we have been referring clients to solicitors in order to challenge their notices. None of those clients have received this latest Home Office threat, and we would encourage all asylum seekers who receive a Bibby Stockholm notice to seek legal advice.
“But our responsibility to protect the rights of all asylum seekers means that we will be seeking our own legal advice on the Government’s process, and the targeting of those asylum seekers who do not currently have legal representation,” he added.
Letters seen by the PA news company, which the charity mentioned have been despatched earlier this month by the Home Office to asylum seekers, mentioned: “Your accommodation is changing and you will be moved to the Bibby Stockholm, Portland.”
While it offers contact particulars to hunt additional “advice and guidance on the asylum and support process”, it doesn’t point out authorized rights or entry to illustration.
Sky News reported a letter despatched by the Home Office to an asylum seeker, who’s in receipt of presidency assist however refused to board the barge on Monday, mentioned: “Accommodation is offered on a no-choice basis.
“Where asylum seekers fail to take up an offer of suitable accommodation without a reasonable explanation, there should be no expectation that alternative accommodation will be offered.
“If you do not travel tomorrow, on August 8 2023, arrangements for ceasing the support that you are receiving from the Home Office may commence.”
Officials confirmed asylum seekers should not given a selection on the place they’re housed and, if the lodging is refused, Government assist might be withdrawn.
But it’s understood selections are made on a person foundation and modifications might be made if legitimate causes are supplied as to why the lodging could also be unsuitable, for instance, if it lacks services for disabled folks.