The UK Government has ceased using the Marine Court Hotel in Bangor, Co Down, for asylum seeker accommodation. The site will return to community use along with other hotels across the UK.

This decision forms part of efforts to reduce hotel reliance by increasing removals and enforcement. The closures will save taxpayers £65 million annually.

Nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign national offenders have been removed since the 2024 election. Last year recorded the highest removal rates in almost a decade.

The government plans to expand large basic accommodation sites. Up to 350 illegal migrants have moved to Crowborough military barracks, opened three months ago.

Individuals with rejected asylum claims will face removal from the UK.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris stated that hotels served as a temporary measure under the prior administration but grew excessive, burdening taxpayers and communities. The approach now shifts people to basic sites, boosts large facilities, and removes those without right to stay to regain control and eliminate waste.