But how did this issue begin, and why does it pose such a challenge to the government? Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels? Under British law, the government has a longstanding legal obligation to provide accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be homeless while their applications are being considered. Most asylum seekers have been barred from working in Britain since the early 2000s, and as a result, the government must give them accommodation unless they have significant funds or housing from family and friends. The Conservative government moved asylum seekers out of crowded housing and into hotels because of social distancing rules, and also paused the evictions following asylum decisions.
