The UK Home Office has replaced Stay Belvedere Hotels (SBHL), which previously managed accommodations for asylum seekers in 51 hotels, due to performance issues. The hotels, located across England and Wales, will close, and asylum seekers will be relocated to existing facilities. Australia-based Corporate Travel Management (CTM), known for managing the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge, will now oversee these operations.

The decision follows allegations of mismanagement at SBHL’s facilities, including sexual harassment and wage violations, revealed in a 2021 investigation. The Home Office is taking action to improve oversight of asylum accommodation contracts, with the new contract expected to involve Mears and Serco, alongside CTM.