By Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya, Advocate

The Court of Appeal’s recent decision allowing 138 asylum seekers to remain at the Bell Hotel in Epping has reignited debate about the UK’s asylum and migration system. For many, this ruling feels like another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between local authorities, the Home Office, and human rights law. Yet beneath the headlines lies a deeper truth: the UK’s current approach is unsustainable.

Hotels are not long-term solutions. They are a symptom of a broken system a system struggling with processing backlogs, inadequate infrastructure, and political pressures that prioritize short-term optics over long-term planning.

📰 The Epping Case in Context

The Bell Hotel ruling highlighted a key issue: local councils and residents often feel sidelined, while asylum seekers are left in limbo. The Home Office has pledged to end hotel use by 2029, but the reality is that more than 30,000 people still live in such accommodation.

This case brings into focus the urgent need for Justice and Home Affairs reform not only to reduce costs and relieve pressure on local services, but also to uphold the UK’s legal and moral obligations.

⚖️ The Case for Reform

Justice and Home Affairs reform must address three core areas:

Processing Efficiency Current delays leave asylum seekers in uncertainty for months or years. Reforming decision-making systems, including greater use of digital case management, is essential.

Purpose-Built Accommodation Investment in dedicated housing facilities offers greater dignity, security, and integration opportunities, while reducing reliance on costly hotels.

Rights and Responsibilities The UK must continue to uphold its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and international treaties, ensuring that efficiency does not come at the cost of fairness.

🌍 International Case Studies: What Works Elsewhere?

The UK is not alone in facing challenges related to net migration and asylum. Several countries have developed innovative and effective models that offer lessons:

Germany Following the 2015 refugee crisis, Germany invested in large-scale reception centres and accelerated asylum claim processing. By decentralising responsibility to municipalities, integration efforts such as language courses and job placements began earlier and reduced social tensions.

Canada Canada’s community sponsorship model pairs refugees with local groups who provide housing, support, and integration assistance. This not only reduces reliance on state accommodation but also fosters stronger community relationships.

Sweden Sweden has experimented with modular housing for asylum seekers, creating flexible, low-cost, purpose-built units that can be adapted as demand changes. This approach balances humanitarian needs with fiscal responsibility.

These case studies show that hotel reliance is neither necessary nor inevitable. With political will, the UK could adopt similar practices tailored to its legal and social context.

🔍 Expert Insights

Migration specialists and legal experts stress that reforms must be both practical and rights-based. Dr. Helena Martins, a migration policy analyst, argues:

“The UK’s reliance on hotels reflects a lack of long-term planning. Countries that invest in purpose-built systems see reduced costs and better integration outcomes.”

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Professor Amir Rahman, a human rights lawyer, adds:

“Court rulings like the Bell Hotel case are reminders that legal obligations cannot be sidestepped. Reform must begin with respecting rights while creating sustainable solutions.”

✅ A Path Forward for the UK

The Bell Hotel ruling is a wake-up call. Net migration and asylum management cannot be treated as temporary problems—they are ongoing realities that require resilient systems.

The UK must now:

Phase out hotel reliance by accelerating the development of dedicated facilities.

Streamline asylum processing, investing in staff training and digital innovation.

Integrate international best practices, adapting successful models from Canada, Germany, and Sweden.

Maintain a rights-centred approach, ensuring justice and fairness remain the foundation of Home Affairs reform.

The future of UK migration policy depends on striking this balance: managing numbers responsibly while treating every individual with dignity and fairness.

Closing Thought:
The debate should not be about whether asylum seekers stay in a hotel in Epping or elsewhere it should be about what kind of system we want to build. One that reacts to crises with short-term fixes, or one that reforms boldly, rooted in justice, humanity, and international best practice.

~ Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya, Advocate, Author & Professional Speaker

Hire me for Expert Insights or Media Request – akinsanya316@yahoo.com https://gcbr-and-tcsl-campaign.square.site/contact-us