With the passage of Rishi Sunak’s new illegal immigration law, the issue of irregular immigrants and human rights has become one of the government’s top political challenges
247 — Known as Britain’s ‘Floating Prison’, the Bibby Stockholm has been the subject of controversy since her mooring in Portland Island Harbour, off the south coast of England. The giant ship, which is said to be used to offload irregular migrants, has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations and sparked riots on social media.
Although the company that owns it, Bibby Marine, advertises it as a luxury ship with a range of amenities including a gym, bar, restaurant and games room, more than 50 humanitarian organizations including the Refugee Council and Asylum Matters have questioned the conditions under which migrants are kept on board.
Officially, the British government denies that the ship will function as a prison, but information released by the Portland port suggests otherwise. Migrants’ freedom of movement is severely restricted and in the port they are accommodated in the Bibby Stockholm or in a secure complex next to the ship. In addition, the remote location of the port will make it difficult for migrants to access and interact with local communities.
Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants on board, saying they are not criminals but people seeking protection in the UK. Given that they only have to spend £9.10 a day, many question the wellbeing and dignity of these individuals while on the ship.
The “floating prison” offers space for 506 people. The first 50 irregular migrants, chosen from those who have recently arrived on the south coast of England after crossing the English Channel, will be the first to board the ship in the coming weeks. The British government estimates that these residents stay on board between three and six months.
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While the Government reiterates that migrants are free to move around the port and visit the nearby town of Weymouth, uncertainties and concerns from the local community cast doubt on the facility’s future.
With the passage of Rishi Sunak’s new Illegal Immigration Bill, which met with opposition from various institutions including the Church of England and the House of Lords, the issue of irregular migrants and human rights has become one of the government’s top political challenges.
While Bibby Stockholm promises luxury accommodation, the questionable reality of conditions on board raises questions about humane treatment and respect for migrants’ rights.