Conditions at Lunar House under fire

Asylum seekers are being made to queue outside the government’s main asylum processing centre for excessive periods of time, according to a report.

The inquiry into Lunar House in Croydon, found that asylum seekers, including parents with small children and the disabled, had to queue for an average of four to six hours. This may include a long period outside with no seating, it adds.

In a recent BBC File on Four programme, immigration minister Tony McNulty acknowledged that the physical structure of the queuing area outside the building was like a “pig pen”.

The inquiry, carried out by community organisation South London Citizens, also found that some asylum seekers, including pregnant women and children, were unable to eat or drink for many hours at the centre because they did not have any money to purchase the food on sale.

The quality of decision-making was also found to be variable and many asylum applicants were not provided with interpreters.

As well as hearing evidence from asylum seekers, the inquiry also sought the views of Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff at the centre. Half of those who responded had experienced stress-related health problems within the last year.

McNulty said the government was considering the findings and recommendations of the report.