BCP Council Responds to Racist Fake News Regarding Asylum or Other Refugee Hotel Locations in Poole

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is aware of some factually incorrect social media content that suggests the Poole Quay Hotel (formally The Thistle Hotel) in Poole is to be used by the government to house asylum seekers.

In response to these posts, Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:

“There are currently no asylum or other refugee hotel locations in Poole.

“The Home Office is responsible for procuring and managing these sites, and we have received an assurance that they are not currently looking at Poole.

“Not all information on social media is accurate, and I would encourage anyone to think carefully about the credibility of the content they read and watch online.”

As this is Immigration Week, let us take time to focus on the facts and not rumours and lies.

Ten reasons why asylum seekers are often predominantly male

1. Greater Exposure to Danger: Men are more likely to be directly targeted in conflict zones, conscripted into armed forces, or subjected to political persecution, prompting them to flee.
2. Physical Demands of the Journey: The journey to seek asylum is often perilous, involving long distances, harsh conditions, and the risk of exploitation. Men are generally perceived as better able to endure these physical challenges.
3. Cultural Norms and Gender Roles: In many societies, men are expected to take on the role of protector and provider. This can lead to men being the first to leave their home countries to seek safety and stability for their families.
4. Economic Responsibilities: Men are often the primary breadwinners in their families. Seeking asylum may be seen as a way to secure economic opportunities abroad to support loved ones back home.
5. Fear of Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls face higher risks of sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation during migration. Families may therefore be reluctant to send female members on such dangerous journeys.
6. Legal and Social Barriers: In some countries, women may face restrictions on their ability to travel independently, making it harder for them to seek asylum without male accompaniment.
7. Military Conscription: In conflict zones, men are often forcibly conscripted into armed groups or face persecution for refusing to join. This can force them to flee to avoid violence or imprisonment.
8. Perceived Better Chances of Success: Men may believe they have a better chance of being granted asylum due to stereotypes about their ability to integrate into the workforce or contribute to the host country’s economy.
9. Family Decision-Making: Families may prioritise sending male members ahead to establish a safe environment before bringing over women, children, or elderly relatives.
10. Survivorship Bias: Men are more likely to survive the hazardous journey due to a combination of physical resilience and societal expectations, leading to a higher proportion of male asylum seekers reaching their destination.

Twelve reasons why asylum seekers do not claim asylum in the first country they come to

1. Family and Community Ties: Many asylum seekers have family members, friends, or established communities in specific countries. They may prioritise reuniting with loved ones or seeking support from familiar networks over staying in the first country they reach.
2. Language and Cultural Familiarity: Asylum seekers often prefer countries where they speak the language or are familiar with the culture. This can make it easier to navigate the asylum process, access services, and integrate into society.
3. Perception of Fairness in the Asylum System: Some countries are perceived to have fairer or more efficient asylum systems. Asylum seekers may believe they have a better chance of having their claim processed fairly and quickly in certain nations.
4. Safety and Security Concerns: The first country an asylum seeker arrives in may not be safe or stable. They might fear persecution, discrimination, or even deportation to their country of origin if they stay there.
5. Economic Opportunities: Asylum seekers may be drawn to countries with stronger economies and better job prospects, as they hope to build a stable future for themselves and their families.
6. Legal and Social Support: Some countries offer more robust legal aid, social welfare, and support services for asylum seekers. This can be a significant factor in their decision-making.
7. Historical or Colonial Ties: In some cases, asylum seekers may have historical, cultural, or colonial connections to a particular country, making it a more appealing destination.
8. Networks of Smugglers and Traffickers: Unfortunately, some asylum seekers rely on smugglers or traffickers to reach their destination. These networks often direct them to specific countries, regardless of whether they are the first safe country reached.
9. Discrimination or Poor Treatment in First Country: If asylum seekers face racism, xenophobia, or poor treatment in the first country they arrive in, they may choose to move on to a country where they hope to be treated more humanely.
10. Lack of Knowledge About Asylum Processes: Some asylum seekers may not fully understand the legal requirements or implications of claiming asylum in the first country they enter. They may continue their journey without realising they could have sought protection earlier.
11. Desire for a Specific Destination: Asylum seekers may have a specific country in mind due to personal aspirations, perceived opportunities, or the presence of a diaspora community that can offer support.
12. Dublin Regulation (in the EU Context): In the European Union, the Dublin Regulation determines which country is responsible for processing an asylum claim. However, some asylum seekers attempt to bypass this system to reach a preferred destination.

Ten reasons people may seek to escape their homelands and seek asylum elsewhere

1. Persecution: Fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group is a primary reason. This can include threats, violence, or discrimination.
2. War or Conflict: Fleeing armed conflict, civil war, or widespread violence in their home country to seek safety and stability.
3. Human Rights Violations: Escaping systematic human rights abuses, such as torture, unlawful detention, or forced labour.
4. Political Oppression: Fleeing persecution due to political beliefs, activism, or opposition to a regime, which may result in imprisonment, harassment, or violence.
5. Religious or Ethnic Persecution: Escaping targeted violence or discrimination due to their religious beliefs or ethnic identity.
6. Gender-Based Violence: Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others may flee to escape gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, honour killings, or forced marriages.
7. Environmental Disasters: While not traditionally grounds for asylum, some people flee due to environmental crises, such as droughts, floods, or other natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
8. Economic Collapse: In extreme cases, economic instability or collapse can lead to situations where basic survival is threatened, forcing people to seek refuge elsewhere.
9. Forced Recruitment: Escaping forced conscription into armed groups or government forces, particularly affecting children and young adults.
10. Lack of Protection: When their own government is unable or unwilling to protect them from harm, individuals may seek asylum in countries where they can access safety and legal protection.

Under international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, asylum seekers must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution to qualify for refugee status. Each case is assessed individually to determine eligibility.