Refugees: Homelessness

The Home Office is committed to supporting newly recognised refugees to transition from asylum accommodation and mitigate the risk of homelessness. We are working with local authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure any necessary assistance is provided for those individuals who are granted refugee status.

We have placed Asylum Move on Liaison Officers (AMLOs) in 59 local authorities across the UK, working alongside the Migrant Help NGO to support individuals who will be leaving asylum accommodation, and ensure a successful transition. AMLOs support newly granted refugees face to face in contingency accommodation and dispersal hubs to support their move on from asylum accommodation, which includes accessing Universal Credit, accessing eVisas, opening bank accounts, LA housing referrals and support to access the private rental sector and voluntary organisations.

Asylum decision data is shared with local authorities as early as possible to enable effective planning and lessen the impact on homelessness and rough sleeping pressures. Following the Home Office notifying accommodation providers that a decision has been served, providers notify local authorities within two working days so that they can begin homelessness assessments and provide timely support.