Chagossian Arrivals Strain Housing Resources in Hillingdon, Sparking Debate
HILLINGDON, UK – A recent increase in arrivals from the Chagos Islands is placing significant strain on housing resources in the London Borough of Hillingdon, prompting a local authority to open a dedicated processing center and raising questions about support for newly arrived British citizens. Hillingdon council confirmed the opening of a temporary facility this week to manage the influx, while concurrently voicing concerns about existing pressures from supporting asylum seekers placed in the borough by the Home Office.
The situation centers on Chagossians – people of descent from those forcibly removed from the Chagos Archipelago in the 1960s and 70s to allow for the establishment of a US military base on Diego Garcia. As British citizens, Chagossians are legally entitled to the same support as any other homeless person with a UK passport, including temporary accommodation for families with dependents. However, the unexpected surge in arrivals is testing the limits of Hillingdon’s capacity, igniting a debate over funding and responsibility.
Local authorities have a statutory duty to assist eligible homeless individuals. The recent rise in Chagossian arrivals comes after the UK government launched a pathway to British citizenship for descendants of those born on the Chagos Archipelago in November 2022.
“Hillingdon Council has received funding to provide support in cases where immediate local pressures arise and cannot be resolved through standard contingency measures, with support for all local authorities kept under ongoing review,” a government spokesperson stated. The spokesperson also emphasized that the situation is “completely unrelated to the Diego Garcia Military Base agreement signed with Mauritius.”
The government maintains that Chagossians traveling to the UK are expected to arrange their own accommodation prior to arrival. Though, the reality on the ground in Hillingdon suggests a growing need for local authority intervention, adding to existing demands on already stretched resources. The council is currently assessing the long-term implications of the increased demand and seeking clarity on ongoing financial support from central government.
