Asylum seekers singled out in London

Media reports in the UK say the houses of asylum seekers in the north-east of England are singled out by their red doors.

According to Times newspaper, asylum seekers at one house felt so stigmatized that they painted their door white, but it was repainted red after an employee of the subcontractor for the houses visited and said it was “against company policy”.

Of 168 properties identified by the newspaper as Jomast housing in the city, 155 had red front doors. Of the 66 residents spoken to by reporters, 62 homes were occupied by asylum seekers.

Now the Home Office has launched an investigation into the housing of asylum seekers in the region.

The Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire ordered an inquiry saying: “I am deeply concerned by this issue and I have commissioned Home Office officials to conduct an urgent audit of asylum seeker housing in the north-east.”

The issue has already been discussed by officials from various political parties and even among MPs.

Many say the asylum seekers had been worried that it marked them out for attacks. They said though police obviously have done everything that they can do but because asylum seekers are so vulnerable, they are frightened of jeopardising their case.

Director of Human Development, facilitate Global, Clive Hambidge says the process of singling out asylum seekers dates back to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s era and despite what the officials say no serious works are set to be carried out to put an end to the trend.

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