The Home Office has confirmed the relocation of the initial group of asylum seekers to a military barracks in Sussex. 27 individuals were the first to be accommodated at the Crowborough training camp in the early hours of Thursday. The government plans to increase the utilization of unused Ministry of Defence sites to reduce the number of asylum seekers in hotels.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the initiative at Crowborough is just the beginning, with plans to identify more sites until all asylum hotels are shut down and returned to local communities. The decision to use the location has sparked debate, resulting in multiple protests since its proposal as an asylum facility.

According to the Home Office, individuals will reside at Crowborough for a maximum of three months while their asylum applications are processed. If their claims are rejected, they will be relocated, as per officials.

The government reports a decrease in the number of hotels housing migrants from over 400 under the previous administration to less than 200 at present. The Labour Party aims to close all remaining hotels by 2029, with Keir Starmer expressing hopes for earlier closure.

Despite objections from Wealden District Council, the Home Office proceeded with the use of the site for asylum seekers. Council leader James Partridge expressed disappointment in the lack of response from Home Office Minister Alex Norris. The council is exploring legal options but anticipates the camp’s opening.

The Home Office assured that all individuals accommodated at the barracks have undergone screening against law enforcement, criminal, and immigration databases. They have also undergone initial health assessments before their arrival.

In September, there were 36,273 asylum seekers residing in hotels awaiting asylum decisions. The number peaked at 56,018 in September 2023 under the previous government but dropped to 29,561 in June 2024, just before the general election.