Manston Asylum Centre is now completely empty after migrants placed in new accommodation

22 November 2022, 12:42 | Updated: 22 November 2022, 12:44

An aerial view shows the Manston short-term holding centre for migrants, near Ramsgate in south east England
An aerial view shows the Manston short-term holding centre for migrants, near Ramsgate in south east England. Picture: Getty
Fran Way

By Fran Way

Manston Asylum Centre, the Home Office site in Kent which is being used to hold people that have arrived on UK shores from small boats, is understood to be completely empty.

Thousands of migrants had been placed in the tents at the former military airfield, leading to overcrowding and outbreaks of disease.

In recent weeks, the site has been at the centre of controversy as it’s been made to hold up to 1,600 people for no more than 24 hours while they undergo security and identity checks. In exceptional circumstances this can be extended for five days.

After that they’re supposed to move into the Home Office’s asylum accommodation system which is often a hotel due to the shortage of accommodation.

However, earlier this month there were reportedly 4,000 people living there for weeks on end.

Other concerns at the site include the death of a man who arrived in the UK on a small boat on November 12.

READ MORE:Immigration minister Robert Jenrick refuses to provide details about migrant held at Manston processing centre who died on Saturday

READ MORE: 'Take action now' say campaigners after a migrant at Manston processing centre in Kent dies in hospital

Human right campaigners raised concerns that the man was being held at the site unlawfully, after he died seven days later on November 19.

Officials now say that everyone staying at the temporary site has been placed in new accommodation.

It is thought the government has purchased space in hotels to ease the blocking.

Manston, reopened as a migrant processing centre in February to address the growing concerns about people arriving on small boats. In 2022, more than 40,000 people have crossed the Channel in this way.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Chris Hoy

Chris Hoy says cancer 'broke his spine' as tumours spread - leaving him unable to pick up his own children

The UK needs more NHS dentist appointments, an industry body has warned

Over two million people 'in urgent need of NHS dental care' amid warnings of desperate patients pulling own teeth

Sir Keir Starmer insists he can trust Donald Trump - as PM claims 'there’s no issue between us' on Ukraine.

Starmer to warn Trump that US security 'backstop' is vital to stop Putin attacking Ukraine again

NHS hospital ward menu and cup of tea - to illustrate NHS Hospital food, UK

NHS nurse awarded £41,000 payout after being 'left out of morning tea round'

Former Olympic swimmer who raped two teenage girls jailed for 21 years

Former Olympic swimmer who raped two teenage girls jailed for 21 years

Sderot, Israel. 26th Feb, 2025. Sderot, Israel, February 26, 2025. Israeli civilians line the road with Israeli flags, balloons and yellow flags as the van carrying bodies of the Bibas family

Bodies of last four Israeli hostages handed over by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

London, UK. 26th August 2024. Police officers stop and search a pair of men on the second day of the Notting Hill Carnival as security is increased following stabbings and arrests on the previous day. Credit: Vuk Valcic/Alamy Live News

Met Police publish new 'Stop and Search Charter' in a bid to increase transparency

New world order: Starmer juggles looming tariffs, a Western alliance in crisis and Putin during 24 hours in Washington

New world order: Starmer to juggle looming tariffs, a Western alliance in crisis and Putin during 24 hours in Washington

Sir Keir Starmer insists he can trust Donald Trump - as PM claims 'there’s no issue between us' on Ukraine.

Starmer insists he can trust Trump and 'there’s no issue between us' on Ukraine ahead of White House talks

An NHS trust is looking for doctors to treat patients in a corridor, offering a salary of up to £70,000.

Hospital advert for £70k elderly care doctor marks start of NHS trial in corridor wait crackdown

The Government’s planning reforms risk creating a postcode lottery for access to green spaces in the UK

The Government’s planning reforms risk creating a postcode lottery for access to green spaces in the UK

Rachel Johnson travelled to a live minefield in Ukraine in February.

Ukraine’s mine-ridden ghost villages are being reclaimed - but it's the deadliest job in the world

Rania Alayed was murdered in 2013 by her husband, who was jailed for life the following year

Human remains found in search for woman murdered by husband 12 years ago

Los Angeles, USA. 04th Jan, 2020. Michelle Trachtenberg attends The Art of Elysium's 13th Annual Black Tie Artistic Experience 'Heaven' at The Palladium in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA, on 04 January 2020.

Buffy and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg dead at 39

Two men have been found guilty of the murder of Rijkaard Siafa

Men who went to pub and ordered pints after stabbing 22-year-old to death found guilty of murder

General views of the Imperial War Museum on December 03, 2024 in London, United Kingdom.

Imperial War Museum to close world's largest display of Victoria Crosses