The United Kingdom’s Home Office has announced plans to phase out government-funded asylum hotels as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at reducing the number of refugees entering the country.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, the Home Office claimed that some asylum seekers were deliberately travelling through safe European countries to take advantage of what it described as the UK’s generous asylum system. The department also pledged to withdraw support from migrants who break the law.

Right now, migrants are crossing safe countries in Europe because of how generous our asylum system is.

No more. We’re closing asylum hotels and ensuring that those who break our laws have their support removed.

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) February 9, 2026

“Right now, migrants are crossing safe countries in Europe because of how generous our asylum system is.

“No more. We’re closing asylum hotels and ensuring that those who break our laws have their support removed,” the Home Office said.

The move comes amid a series of tougher immigration measures introduced by the government, including a policy unveiled in November requiring migrants from Nigeria and other countries to meet stricter English language requirements before full integration into British society.

“If you come to the UK, you must learn our language and play your part. From January 2026, migrants will be required to pass tough new English language requirements so they can contribute fully to our national life,” the department added.

Asylum hotels have been a focal point of anti-immigration campaigns, with critics arguing that the government should prioritise housing for citizens amid rising homelessness. Several hotels used to accommodate asylum seekers were also targeted during protests against mass immigration across the UK last year. (Vanguard)

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