Members of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group have come together to share how recent government changes to the asylum system are affecting them, and how these plans make them feel as people who came to the UK seeking safety.

Download it here.

In October 2025, in response to protests and widespread misunderstanding about asylum accommodation, members of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group came together to write a public statement. It was a message of openness, understanding, and hope, shaped by the concerns they were hearing in their local communities.

The response to that statement was overwhelming. People were deeply moved to hear directly from those living in asylum hotels. Many reached out to say they would share the message in their own communities, whether by forwarding it on, starting conversations, or printing and distributing copies. For the group, this was a powerful moment: a chance to take back control of the narrative and ensure their voices were heard. We want to thank everyone who read, shared, and sent messages of solidarity in response.

At the end of November, the government announced further changes to the asylum system, including proposals affecting refugee rights and the introduction of a new “earned settlement” model for securing indefinite leave to remain (ILR). In response, we shared two explainers outlining what we know about these changes and what they could mean.

• Explainer: Changes to the UK asylum system 

• Explainer: Changes – earned settlement

As people who have come to the UK seeking safety, members of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group now want to share how these government plans make them feel. Their latest statement speaks to feelings of being unsafe, isolated, and unwelcome, and to the sense of being held back from continuing their lives and settling in the UK — something they want deeply.

Please continue to follow GMIAU on social media to learn more about the work of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group, and keep an eye out for ways you can take action to support and amplify their voices.

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