‘Floating prison’ is Another UK’s controversial policy of keeping African asylum seekers on floating barge

Post By Diaspoint | August 16, 2023

‘I’m ashamed of how my government treats others. I’m embarrassed to talk about it now,’ says a local, while another wonders why 500 men only to be kept on Isle of Portland

As soon as one sets foot on the Isle of Portland, eyes are drawn to the stunning scenery and coastal beauty of the historically rich town on the English Channel. However, for many, it feels like a prison, as the 6 kilometers (4 miles) long by 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide isle is the new home of 500 asylum seekers, as UK authorities construct a floating barge surrounding the isle to house them until their immigration process is completed.

Keeping asylum seekers on a floating barge is another controversial migrant policy of the UK government, which aims to look after up to 500 single men for at least the next 18 months in the southwest of the country.

Portland will go down in history as the first city in the UK to host asylum seekers on a barge, known as the Bibby Stockholm, which will serve as the residence for these 500 men while they wait for asylum claims to be processed.

The British government has so far made headlines with its several policy proposals on the refugee issue, with the unsuccessful Rwanda scheme and the controversial Illegal Migration Bill.

And now, the asylum seeker barge has become the focal point of the migrant debate, with the government claiming it will save millions of pounds on hotel rooms.

‘Floating prison’

During Anadolu crew’s visit to the Isle of Portland and conversations with many local residents, some expressed security concerns, while others stated that such an approach is akin to being in a prison.

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