Asylum seekers at Hull’s Royal Hotel still feel unsafe months after riots

Key Takeaways

• Hull’s Royal Hotel remains temporary housing for over 37,000 asylum seekers across the UK in May 2025.
• Daily costs for hotel accommodations exceed £5.6 million amid legal challenges and community protests.
• Home Office ends £2 billion contract with SBHL in March 2025 signaling shifts in asylum housing policy.

The Ongoing Controversy Over Housing Asylum Seekers at Hull’s Royal Hotel

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

The debate over housing asylum seekers at Hull’s Royal Hotel continues to stir strong feelings in Hull and across the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. As of May 2025, the Royal Hotel remains one of many hotels being used as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, a practice that has drawn criticism from local residents, politicians, and human rights groups. The UK government maintains that using hotels is a short-term solution to a severe housing shortage, but the situation has led to community disruption, legal battles, and ongoing uncertainty for thousands of vulnerable people.

This article explores the latest developments, the perspectives of those involved, and what the future may hold for asylum seekers, local communities, and the UK’s immigration system.

The Situation at Hull’s Royal Hotel

Hull’s Royal Hotel has been at the center of the asylum accommodation debate since at least 2021. Located in the heart of Hull, the hotel has become a symbol of the UK government’s struggle to manage a growing backlog of asylum claims. As of early 2025, more than 37,000 asylum seekers are living in hotels across the UK, with the daily cost to taxpayers estimated at £5.6–6 million.

The Royal Hotel’s use as asylum accommodation intensified after the August 2024 riots, which targeted hotels housing asylum seekers in several UK cities. Although no new incidents have been reported at the Royal Hotel in the past week, the memory of those events lingers. Many asylum seekers still feel unsafe and isolated, rarely venturing outside the hotel due to fears of hostility and uncertainty about their future.

Why Are Hotels Like the Royal Hotel Being Used?

The UK’s asylum system has faced mounting pressure since 2020, with increased arrivals and a growing backlog of unresolved claims. The Home Office—the government department responsible for immigration and asylum—has struggled to find enough dedicated housing for new arrivals. As a result, hotels have become a stopgap measure.

How the Process Works:

1. The Home Office identifies a need for accommodation due to the backlog of asylum claims.
2. Hotels are contracted, often with little notice to local authorities or the public, to provide temporary housing for asylum seekers.
3. Local authorities may seek legal injunctions if they oppose the use of specific hotels.
4. Asylum seekers are moved in, often with minimal support or integration measures.
5. Community and stakeholder feedback may prompt policy reviews or legal action.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach has led to widespread criticism, with many calling it unsustainable and disruptive for both asylum seekers and local communities.

The Human Impact: Asylum Seekers’ Experiences

For those living at Hull’s Royal Hotel, daily life is marked by uncertainty and fear. After the riots in August 2024, many asylum seekers reported feeling too afraid to leave the hotel. Even months later, in October 2024, residents described ongoing anxiety and a sense of isolation.

Common challenges faced by asylum seekers at the Royal Hotel include:

• Fear of local hostility: Many avoid going out due to concerns about their safety.
• Lack of clarity about their future: The asylum process can take months or even years, leaving people in limbo.
• Limited access to amenities: Hotels are not designed for long-term stays, and many lack facilities for families or children.
• Social isolation: With few opportunities for integration, asylum seekers often feel cut off from the local community.

One asylum seeker explained, “We understand why people are frustrated, but we didn’t choose to be here. We just want to feel safe and have a chance to rebuild our lives.”

Local Community Reaction and Legal Challenges

The sudden repurposing of hotels like the Royal Hotel has caused significant disruption in Hull and other cities. Local residents have voiced anger over cancelled events and lost bookings. For example, a couple’s wedding at a Hull hotel was cancelled after the Home Office took over the venue for asylum accommodation.

Key concerns from the community include:

• Lack of consultation: Many feel decisions are made without input from local councils or residents.
• Disruption to local businesses: Hotels that once hosted weddings, conferences, and tourists are now unavailable for public use.
• Strain on local services: Some worry that schools, healthcare, and other services are under increased pressure.

In response, local authorities such as the East Riding of Yorkshire Council have taken legal action to block the use of certain hotels for asylum accommodation. Notably, the Hull Humber View Hotel in North Ferriby was prevented from being used in this way following a successful legal challenge. However, the Royal Hotel in central Hull remains in use.

For official information on asylum support, visit the UK government’s asylum support page.

Government and Political Perspectives

The Home Office continues to defend the use of hotels, describing it as a necessary but temporary measure. A spokesperson stated, “The use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable… The use of hotels is a short-term solution and we are working hard with local authorities to find appropriate accommodation.”

However, politicians from across the spectrum have criticized the process. Conservative MP David Davis and Liberal Democrat councillor Margaret Corless have both highlighted the lack of public engagement and the inadequate amenities provided to asylum seekers.

Key points from government and political stakeholders:

• Government: Sees hotel use as a regrettable but necessary stopgap due to “incredible strain” on the asylum system.
• Local authorities: Often oppose hotel conversions, citing lack of consultation and community impact.
• MPs and councillors: Call for better planning, more transparency, and improved conditions for asylum seekers.

Financial and Policy Implications

The financial cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels has become a major point of contention. With more than 37,000 people in hotels and daily costs exceeding £5 million, critics argue that the system is unsustainable.

Recent policy changes include:

• March 2025: The Home Office announced the termination of its £2 billion annual contract with Stay Belvedere Hotels (SBHL), one of the largest providers of asylum accommodation. This move signals a shift in how asylum seekers may be housed in the future.
• Legal challenges: Councils have increasingly used the courts to block hotel conversions, setting precedents for future disputes.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Broader Policy Context and Historical Background

The use of hotels for asylum accommodation surged in 2020 and 2021, driven by increased arrivals and a backlog in processing claims. Hull’s Royal Hotel has faced repeated complaints about conditions and community relations since at least 2021. Legal and political battles have intensified since 2022, with councils more frequently turning to the courts to challenge the Home Office’s decisions.

Key developments:

• 2020–2021: Surge in hotel use due to increased arrivals and processing delays.
• 2021–2024: Ongoing controversy at Hull’s Royal Hotel and other sites.
• 2024: Riots targeting hotels housing asylum seekers, leading to heightened fears and security concerns.
• 2025: Termination of major accommodation contracts and continued legal challenges.

Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholders’ Views

Asylum Seekers:
Caught in the middle, asylum seekers often feel powerless. They express understanding of local frustrations but emphasize that hotel accommodation is not their choice. Many feel unsafe and isolated, especially after the 2024 riots.

Local Residents and Businesses:
Some residents are angry about the lack of consultation and the impact on local events and businesses. The sudden change in hotel use has disrupted weddings, conferences, and tourism.

Local Authorities:
Councils like East Riding of Yorkshire have taken legal action to block hotel use, arguing that the process lacks transparency and disrupts communities.

Government:
The Home Office insists that hotel use is a temporary measure, necessary due to the strain on the asylum system.

Human Rights Groups and Watchdogs:
These organizations criticize both the conditions in hotels and the lack of long-term planning. Immigration watchdogs have described some facilities as “dire” and call for more sustainable, community-based solutions.

What Happens Next? Future Outlook

The Home Office’s decision to end its contract with SBHL may lead to a reduction in hotel use, but it is unclear what alternatives will be available. Councils and communities are likely to continue challenging new hotel conversions in court. For asylum seekers in Hull and elsewhere, uncertainty and isolation may persist until more permanent solutions are found.

Possible future developments:

• Reduction in hotel use: If alternative accommodation can be found quickly, fewer hotels may be used for asylum seekers.
• Continued legal challenges: Councils are expected to keep using the courts to block unwanted hotel conversions.
• Ongoing uncertainty: Asylum seekers may continue to face long waits and difficult living conditions.

Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals

If you are an asylum seeker or a local resident affected by these changes, here are some steps you can take:

• Contact the Home Office for information about your accommodation and rights: gov.uk/asylum-support
• Reach out to local councils for support or to express concerns:
  • East Riding of Yorkshire Council: eastriding.gov.uk, 01482 393939
  • Hull City Council: hull.gov.uk, 01482 300 300
• Stay informed by following reputable news sources and official updates.
• If you are facing safety concerns, report them to hotel staff or local authorities immediately.

Actionable Takeaways

• For asylum seekers: Know your rights and seek support from local authorities and community organizations.
• For local residents: Engage with your council and express your views through official channels.
• For policymakers: Consider the impact of accommodation decisions on both asylum seekers and local communities, and work towards more sustainable solutions.
• For everyone: Stay informed and approach the issue with empathy, recognizing the complex challenges faced by all involved.

For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the UK government’s asylum support page.

The situation at Hull’s Royal Hotel highlights the broader challenges facing the UK’s asylum system. While the use of hotels remains controversial, it is clear that long-term solutions are needed to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of asylum seekers and the communities that host them.

Learn Today

Asylum seeker → A person fleeing persecution seeking legal protection in another country.
Home Office → UK government department managing immigration, asylum, and security matters.
Injunction → A court order preventing certain actions, like blocking hotel asylum use.
Backlog → Accumulated unresolved asylum claims causing delays in processing applications.
Stay Belvedere Hotels (SBHL) → Major UK provider contracted to supply asylum seeker accommodations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Hull’s Royal Hotel symbolizes UK asylum housing struggles, hosting thousands despite community tension and legal fights. Rising costs and ending contracts could shift policies, but asylum seekers still face isolation and uncertainty within this contentious system.
— By VisaVerge.com

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