As hospital admissions and Covid-related deaths increase once more, and with Scotland now in various tiers of lockdown measures, it is clear that the pandemic is far from over.
Therefore we are alarmed and very concerned that the Home Office refuses to rule out the possibility of evicting people from their asylum accommodation while we remain in the grip of this most serious public health emergency.
In times of such widespread uncertainty and confusion, nobody should have to worry about losing their home too.
We urge the Home Office to stop its plans to restart asylum evictions this winter.
Sabir Zazai, CEO of Scottish Refugee Council said:
“Restrictions are changing constantly and being reviewed on a daily basis. In such uncertain times, it is unacceptable that the Home Office is refusing to rule out evictions into homelessness, not least as we come into winter.
“We are in the middle of a public health emergency. The Home Office must assure us that they will not carry out asylum evictions this winter.
“It is time for grown-up solutions to this pandemic. Nobody should be evicted into homelessness, and everyone with insecure status should be given temporary leave to remain. This would take the pressure off of individuals, off of their communities and off of the Home Office at this unprecedented time, and benefit everyone in society as we struggle through this crisis together.
“None of us are safe until we are all safe.”
Find out more about the campaign to #StopAsylumEvictions.
Follow the latest developments in the asylum system during Covid-19.
