Mears: How Asylum Hotels Are Turning a Huge Profit | PRIMENEWSNOW

Residents Claim Asylum Hotel Profits Came at the Cost of Children’s Health

By Patrick Fee, BBC News NI Business Correspondent

Mears, the company responsible for asylum accommodations in Northern Ireland, has returned £13.8 million to the Home Office after exceeding its profit margins. This comes amid allegations from former residents that their children suffered serious health issues while living in these accommodations.

Understanding the Profit Mechanism

The Home Office compensates Mears for providing essential services to asylum seekers. Although the profit margin is capped at 6%, Mears exceeded this limit, particularly in Northern Ireland, where profits reached 17%. This was partly due to reduced logistical costs, as asylum seekers in Northern Ireland are not dispersed across multiple local authorities.

Mears is currently working to phase out the use of hotels, with 246 asylum seekers still residing in such accommodations in Northern Ireland.

Impact on Vulnerable Families

Former residents have accused Mears of cutting costs by limiting access to basic necessities like food and heating. Ali, a father of two children with spinal muscular atrophy, shared that his children’s health deteriorated significantly during their stay. Initially able to walk, they lost this ability due to inadequate facilities and nutrition.

“They profited at the expense of my children’s health,” Ali expressed, highlighting the emotional toll on his family.

Struggles for Basic Needs

Noor, another resident, described the challenges faced by her wheelchair-bound daughter, who required a special diet. Despite requests, Mears delayed adjustments, leading to her daughter’s malnutrition and hospitalization.

“I was pleading for basic food items, yet they profited immensely,” Noor lamented.

Mears maintains that their accommodations meet Home Office standards, with surveys indicating a 90% satisfaction rate. They assert that their menus comply with NHS nutritional guidelines.

Misunderstandings About Hotel Life

Calls for Better Use of Funds

A Home Affairs Committee report criticized the asylum accommodation system for “flawed contracts” and “inefficient delivery,” noting that hotels have become a default solution, boosting company profits. The projected cost of these contracts has surged from £4.5 billion to £15.3 billion between 2019 and 2029.

Mears holds contracts worth £2.5 billion, with £0.4 billion in Northern Ireland. The report urged that excess profits should support public services rather than private accounts.

Mears stated that they operate transparently with the Home Office and have made agreed repayments following an independent audit.