Britain to End Hotel System for Migrants after 2029

The United Kingdom has decided to stop using hotels to accommodate asylum seekers until the general elections scheduled for 2029. This information was announced by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves during the presentation of new budget initiatives.

She noted that this decision will save up to £1 billion (over $1.35 billion) annually. In recent years, thousands of asylum seekers have arrived on small boats to the southern coast of England.

Many of them have been temporarily housed in hotels across the country. In the 2023–2024 financial year, spending on this reached £3.1 billion.

The government explains its decision by the need to reduce public spending, ease the burden on tourism infrastructure, and address local residents’ concerns. The use of hotels has become one of the most pressing issues in the UK’s migration policy.

The Labour Party, to which Reeves belongs, promised before the 2024 elections to end this practice but did not specify exact timelines. Now the party has confirmed its intention to implement this during the current parliamentary term.

According to the minister, the move away from hotels will be possible thanks to additional funding that will accelerate the processing of applications, handling of appeals, and the return of individuals who do not have the right to remain in the country.