Homelessness among refugees in the UK has more than doubled over the past two years, according to a national network of more than 100 organisations supporting migrants and refugees.
Naccom, the umbrella charity for 140 frontline refugee and migrant services, attributes the rise to “near-constant government policy changes” and the rollout of eVisas, which some refugees have been unable to activate, restricting access to essential support and services.
In 2024-25, network members reported being approached by at least 3,450 refugees and migrants whom they could not accommodate. The charity warns that this figure likely underestimates the true scale of the crisis.
The network managed to house 4,434 homeless people, more than in any previous year since records began in 2013, providing a total of 672,807 nights of accommodation. At the point of accessing services, 829 people were sleeping rough, compared with 378 in 2022-23. Of those housed, 2,008 were refugees, marking a 106% increase over the previous year.
Bridget Young, Naccom director, said: “Our survey findings paint a bleak picture of a continuing crisis with no end in sight. Successive governments have expanded the hostile environment through constant, reactive policy changes that make it easier for people to fall into destitution and homelessness and harder to find a way out.
“The survey period coincided with a terrifying summer of rioting organised by the far right and anti-immigration sentiment has continued to creep into mainstream politics, encapsulated by recent policy announcements that are set to increase homelessness and destitution further.”
One recent case highlighted the scale of the problem: Asylum Welcome, a refugee charity in Oxfordshire, reported 48 newly recognised refugees had been evicted from asylum accommodation in a single month, with many forced to sleep rough. For those it could not accommodate, the charity could offer only a sleeping bag. Some faced assault and had their belongings destroyed by individuals supporting anti-immigration protests.
The situation has been compounded by changes to the Home Office move-on period for new refugees. A pilot scheme launched in December 2024 extended the move-on period from 28 days to 56 days, giving refugees more time to secure housing and employment. However, the pilot ended in September, returning single adults to the 28-day period. Vulnerable groups, including sick, disabled, and elderly people, are also set to have their move-on period reduced to 28 days by the end of this month.
An internal Home Office letter stated: “It is important that we take the necessary time to review this evidence before making any longer-term policy decisions.”
The policy has faced legal challenges in the High Court, with some orders temporarily halting enforcement of the 28-day move-on period due to the risk of destitution, including an emergency case in October.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The 56-day move on period remains in place for all families and vulnerable individuals until the end of the year. We are working with local councils, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure any necessary assistance is provided for those individuals who are granted refugee status. An independent evaluation of the pilot is still ongoing.”
