THE PERIPHERALISATION OF ASYLUM ACCOMMODATION

Military Sites, Vessels, and Hotels

The geographies of UK asylum are changing.

After over a decade of the Home Office ‘hostile environment’ policy, first announced in 2012, recent years have registered an increasingly restrictive approach including the use of asylum accommodation centres as an explicit deterrent against immigration.

Following a rise in hotel accommodation during the pandemic, asylum seekers started being relocated to former military sites and vessels. However, since they were deemed too costly, the current Labour government has decided to discontinue these sites (e.g., the Bibby Stockholm vessel, moored off Portsmouth, Dorset). At the same time, they committed to end the use of hotels by 2029. Social tensions also mounted in the last couple of years, with far-right protests targeting people living in hotels and local councils started battling the government over the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers.

With no clear alternative in sight, where will people seeking asylum in the UK be moved to? Where will they live?

This ESRC-funded project aims to answer this question, analysing the evolution of asylum accommodation policy, the conflicts that it creates between different institutional and non-institutional actors, and the experiences of people living in accommodation provided by the Home Office.

Principal Investigator: Dr Gaja Maestri, Senior Lecturer, Aston University

A collaborative research project with community organisations

The research team will evaluate the impact of new accommodation
centres through empirically-informed analysis and will work closely with
relevant advocacy bodies to address the evolving needs and rights of
asylum seekers.

ABOUT PROJECT PARTNERS

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  • We’re hiring!

    Applications are invited for the position of Post-Doctoral Research Associate.

    The successful candidate will engage in research, external engagement, and citizenship activities. These will include working closely with the project PI, Dr Gaja Maestri, to conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse qualitative data, and collaborate with project research partners. The role also involves presenting papers and posters at international conferences and writing up and publishing research outcomes in high-quality publications.

    Applicants must hold a good first degree and a PhD in the social sciences, with a doctoral thesis based on qualitative research methods. The PhD thesis should preferably be submitted before taking up the role. Candidates should have experience in qualitative data analysis and in contributing to conference papers and high-quality publications. The ability to present data concisely, produce written communications to a high standard, and work effectively in a team is essential.

    Desirable attributes include a PhD thesis on a migration-related topic and experience of working with non-profit organisations, as well as with migrant and vulnerable groups. Experience in project management and knowledge of the British asylum system will also be advantageous.

    To apply, please visit: https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=8758&forced=2