UK Refugee Homelessness Crisis Doubles in Two Years

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Refugee homelessness in the UK has grown sharply, with new reports showing significantly worsening conditions. A leading charity states that homelessness among refugees has more than doubled in two years nationwide. The situation reflects mounting pressure caused by rapid policy changes that continue affecting vulnerable communities. Many refugees now struggle to access essential services due to persistent system failures and confusing procedures.

Naccom represents more than one hundred organisations offering frontline support to refugees and migrants. The network claims growing instability is driving the steep rise in homelessness across multiple regions. Members report thousands of people requesting help while many remain entirely without safe accommodation options. They confirm at least 3,450 individuals sought help during the last year but were left unsupported. The figure reflects only known cases, with charities warning the real total is significantly higher.

Network members provided more nights of accommodation this year than any previously recorded period. They supported thousands of homeless people while witnessing dramatic increases in rough sleeping across the country. Their data shows 829 people were already sleeping outside when first requesting emergency assistance. That number reflects a dramatic rise compared with figures reported two years earlier nationwide. Among those supported, more than 2,000 were refugees experiencing a rapid loss of stability.

Naccom’s director says these findings portray a worsening crisis driven by relentless policy confusion. She explains that shifting government decisions steadily increase destitution risks among individuals granted UK protection. The director adds that political tensions have intensified fears within communities already experiencing mounting hardship. She highlights recent far-right activity that stoked anti-immigration narratives and deepened widespread fear. Those actions contributed to rising hostility experienced by refugees searching for safe and stable housing.

A charity in Oxfordshire recently reported nearly fifty newly recognised refugees left without shelter. They were evicted from asylum accommodation and forced to sleep rough across several unsafe locations. Charity workers described people receiving only sleeping bags after no accommodation options were available. Some rough sleepers experienced physical assault and had personal belongings destroyed by aggressive protesters.

A Home Office pilot previously extended the move-on period for new refugees to 56 days. The extension aimed to provide more time for people to secure housing and begin employment plans. The scheme ended in September and returned the move-on period to 28 days. Documents show the reduction will also soon apply to vulnerable groups including sick refugees. This change raises serious concerns among charities witnessing rising hardship driven by reduced support windows.

NGOs say the shorter move-on period directly contributes to surging homelessness across multiple regions. An internal letter states the government requires more time before making further policy decisions. Meanwhile, several high court cases have attempted to challenge enforcement of the reduced period. Emergency orders have temporarily halted removals in cases posing clear risk of destitution.

A government spokesperson confirmed the extended period remains only for families and vulnerable individuals temporarily. The spokesperson said authorities continue working with councils and support groups to reduce potential hardship. They added that evaluation of the previous pilot continues before any future changes are finalised. Concerns remain high as charities warn the crisis could intensify without urgent structural adjustments.