World Immigration News

How British hotels became a flashpoint for a furious immigration debate

Release Date: 2025-08-22
Media: CNN
Summary: Since 2020, the Bell Hotel in Epping, near London, has been used to house asylum seekers, accommodating 138 people. Tensions escalated after an Ethiopian resident was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, sparking protests fueled by far-right groups. Demonstrations turned hostile, and many locals demanded the hotel stop hosting migrants.

In August, the High Court ruled that the hotel was not being used for its intended purpose, ordering all asylum seekers to leave by September 12. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK hailed the decision as a “great victory” and urged other councils to take similar legal action. If replicated nationwide, this could severely undermine the government’s capacity to meet its legal duty to house asylum seekers.

Currently, about 32,000 people live in 210 hotels across the UK. The government plans to phase out hotel use by 2029 but says the Epping ruling will “substantially impact” its housing strategy.

While some residents cite safety concerns, asylum seekers like Mohamed Khador from Somalia say they now face hostility, discrimination, and scapegoating. He stresses his wish to contribute to society and prove he is not a criminal, but expects the same stigma wherever he is relocated.
Tags: United Kingdom

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