Summary
The UK government is facing pressure to assist Chagos Islanders arriving in the UK after many arrived to claim their right to British citizenship. Hillingdon Council, which is helping these new arrivals, is concerned about the financial burden involved with providing temporary housing. The situation arises from a recent agreement where the UK agreed to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but many Chagossians continue to seek UK support.
Key Facts
- Over 600 Chagossians have arrived in the UK since last July to claim British citizenship.
- Hillingdon Council expects to spend £2 million this year on housing for these arrivals.
- Many Chagossians left Mauritius, feeling unsafe after the UK agreed to transfer the Chagos Islands.
- Chagossians gained the right to British citizenship in 2022.
- The UK agreed to pay Mauritius £101 million annually for 99 years to maintain a military base there.
- The council claims the increase in arrivals is straining its finances and requested government support.
- Hillingdon Council aims to reduce its spending by £38 million due to financial pressures.
- The Chagos Islands were under British control from 1814, with many Chagossians living in Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK.
