Employees at the Manston asylum centre in Kent have voiced their frustrations regarding the escalating number of migrants arriving on peak days, as the facility, previously a former RAF base, transforms into a major processing hub. According to reports, staff members expressed that the high volumes of new arrivals prevent them from performing comprehensive checks on individuals before they are allowed into the UK, leading to situations where some migrants walk the streets without verified backgrounds or safety assessments.
A young worker at the centre shared that many migrants immediately inquire about the availability of hotel accommodations upon their arrival, which has become a significant draw for those seeking to come to the UK. Workers are instructed to divert these inquiries by offering snacks and beverages instead of directly addressing the expectations regarding lodging. Recently, staff have been pressed into overtime to manage instances where over 1,000 migrants come through the facility in a single day, highlighting the challenges faced in this taxpayer-funded establishment designed to accommodate around 1,000 individuals for less than 24 hours.
Concerns about misinformation among migrants are rife, as staff describe instances where received accounts seem rehearsed, with some individuals repeating similar narratives. Afghans often state they are fleeing the Taliban, while others from strict religious backgrounds assert their sexual orientation and potential persecution at home. However, staff are required to document these claims as factual despite suspicions regarding their validity. There are also worries about the inability to verify the migrants’ identities due to limitations imposed by Brexit, which hampers cross-checking with EU law enforcement.
The circumstances raise alarms among staff about the potential risks that undocumented individuals may pose to the British public. Despite measures being discussed, including financial support from the Chancellor to alleviate the asylum backlog and reduce hotel reliance for migrants, the issues at the Manston facility underscore the complexities involved in handling increased migrant flows effectively.
5 Comments
lettlelenok
The staff are under immense pressure. We need to appreciate their efforts in such trying circumstances.
ytkonos
This is a humanitarian crisis. These people are fleeing terrible situations and deserve our help.
dedus mopedus
The government needs to provide more funding and resources to manage the influx and support the staff at Manston.
Michelangelo
Brexit was supposed to give us control! This shows it hasn't. Another failure!!
Raphael
The EU and other factors have caused this rise in asylum seekers. The UK needs to work with other nations.