Dover gets the first induction centre

The Home Office opened its first induction
centre for asylum applicants last week in an attempt to reduce the
number of asylum seekers being placed in bed and breakfast
accommodation.

The induction centre, in Dover, will
accommodate asylum seekers for between two and 10 days and provide
them with health checks and screenings. The Home Office will
jointly operate the centre with the voluntary sector, which aims to
offer a more streamlined dispersal of asylum seekers.

Home Office minister Jeff Rooker said:
“Induction centres will enable asylum seekers to have their
immediate health needs attended to and ensure that they have an
understanding of their rights – and their responsibilities – while
they are awaiting a decision on their application.”

Home secretary David Blunkett originally
announced the new centres last autumn in an overhaul of the
dispersal system (News, page 6, 1 November 2001).

– For further information on the new policy on
asylum seekers view the Community Care archive at www.community-care.co.uk
using the key word “vouchers”.