Lib Dem-led District Council passes motion in relation to Asylum seekers

In a Full Council Meeting on the 6 December, the Liberal Democrat led District Council passed a motion in relation to the processing of asylum seekers.

The motion will see the Leader of the District Council write to the Home Secretary, outlining their concerns about the delay in processing the applications of local asylum seekers, and to ask what plans will be put in place to resolve this issue, speed up processing, and allow asylum seekers to positively contribute to the local community.

The motion acknowledges that the situation for asylum seekers in hotels in St Albans is becoming unbearable and inhumane. The motion pays particular attention to the fact that many asylum seekers have been living in the same hotel room for over two years and are not able to work legally, which has resulted in a great number of mental health issues for those affected.

The motion concludes that the processing time for asylum seekers should be 6 months, and that allowing Asylum seekers to work would benefit the individuals, St Albans City and District, and the national economy.

Liberal Democrat District Councillor Giles Fry who raised the motion, said ‘I’m so pleased that this motion has been passed. Asylum seekers across the UK are suffering in limbo as they are unable to work or move on with their lives. It is imperative that they are not forced to wait indeterminately for a decision without any means to work or contribute to society.

‘’This motion is, at the very least, a step in the right direction towards the recognition of these asylum seekers’ suffering.’’