UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Refugee charities warn that the Home Office’s cut of the asylum move-on period from 56 to 28 days could force thousands onto the streets.
As reported by The Guardian, charities warn that changes to asylum accommodation rules could leave thousands homeless across Britain this winter.
Ministers are reportedly planning to cut the accommodation period for asylum seekers from 56 to 28 days. Refugee charities argue this does not allow enough time to secure housing or employment. The move could increase rough sleeping among those granted asylum.
Alex Fraser’s views on the impact of cutting the asylum move-on period
Refugee charities, including the British Red Cross, have raised concerns over rising street homelessness. They urged ministers to reconsider asylum accommodation policy.
Alex Fraser, the British Red Cross director of refugee services, stated,
“Reducing the ‘move-on’ period will increase levels of homelessness and destitution for people granted protection and put additional pressure on local authorities.”
He said,
“The numbers don’t add up. It takes around 35 days to receive universal credit. Local authorities need 56 days to work with households at risk of homelessness. Giving people only 28 days to find work, housing, or support isn’t enough time.”
Mr Fraser added,
“Making people destitute ends up costing the taxpayer more money and causing distress and hardship. We urge the government to review this decision.”
What did Steve Smith say about cutting the asylum move-on period?
Steve Smith, the chief executive of Care4Calais, stated,
“Cutting the move-on period back to 28 days isn’t just bad for newly granted refugees, it’s bad for our communities and extremely bad for councils, who are picking up the tab of increasing homelessness.”
What did Bridget Young say about reverting the asylum move-on period to 28 days?
Bridget Young, director of Naccom, stated,
“We are hugely disappointed by ministers’ decision to revert back to the 28-day notice period for refugees with the fewest options available to them and therefore at most risk of homelessness and destitution. Evidence from Naccom’s frontline members indicates that the 56-day move-on period has been a lifeline for new refugees.”
She added,
“This decision will put more pressure on local authorities and voluntary sector services, who always have to pick up the pieces to kneejerk government policy change. This change is also being made at a time of increasing risk due to racism and anti-migrant rhetoric, which we worry will only increase the danger people will face on the streets. We urgently ask the government to reconsider this decision.”
Government handling of asylum hotel crisis
Officials are facing a growing crisis over asylum seekers housed in hotels, with dozens of protests by anti-migrant groups and individuals in recent weeks.
Ministers are facing pressure to close asylum accommodation faster, with refugee groups and asylum seekers welcoming the commitment to speed up decisions.
Experts warn that an insufficient period for refugees to find jobs and accommodation could lead to more rough sleeping.
Official figures reveal that 110,000 asylum claims were decided by June 2025. Roughly half of these applicants were granted permission to remain in the UK.
56-day move-on policy to reduce homelessness among refugees
Naccom, a network of 140 organisations supporting refugees, reports a major rise in homelessness. Between 2023 and 2024, adult homelessness nearly doubled, and rough sleeping increased by 125%. New refugees were especially affected due to insufficient time to move on.
To address concerns over rough sleeping, the Home Office launched a 56-day move-on pilot in December 2024. The scheme led to a significant reduction in street homelessness among asylum seekers. According to a Red Cross insider, the 56-day move-on scheme has eliminated requests from refugees for tents.
Key details about asylum seeker rules in the UK
Asylum seekers in the UK usually cannot work, except after 12 months in certain approved jobs. They are housed across the nation, often in hotels due to shortages and backlogs.
Their claims can be accepted, given humanitarian protection, or refused. Nearly half of the refused claims (48% in 2025) are overturned on appeal.