Final asylum seekers leave Bibby Stockholm after extensive processing
- The final group of asylum seekers left the Bibby Stockholm barge after 15 months of housing on the vessel.
- The barge was deemed an unworkable solution amid protests and concerns over conditions.
- The Home Office processed most of the asylum claims, with a majority granted asylum and expected to relocate.
In Portland, Dorset, the UK, the final asylum seekers aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge left the vessel on a Tuesday in early January, marking the conclusion of a contentious 15-month operation. The first group of asylum seekers was placed on the barge in August the previous year, as the Conservative government searched for alternatives to hotel accommodations. Amidst rising protests from advocacy groups and significant logistical challenges, the barge was declared unfit for purpose due to various issues, including health concerns related to the water supply. Eventually, a new Labour government moved to dismantle the accommodation arrangements on the Bibby Stockholm, signaling a shift in the country’s approach to hosting asylum seekers. With a Home Office team processing claims from the 400 men, a majority received positive outcomes regarding their asylum status, leading to their relocation to other areas beyond Dorset. The local council assured that none would find housing back in Dorset, opting for alternative regions like Cardiff and Wolverhampton, while the barge was scheduled for return to its owners, Bibby Marine. The high costs associated with the barge's continued use highlighted the government's significant financial burden in the asylum-seeking process. Ultimately, this situation reflects ongoing debates regarding immigration policies in the UK, emphasizing challenges and community responses to the handling of asylum seekers.