The Home Office has released figures showing the number of asylum seekers currently housed across local areas throughout the United Kingdom.
In the London Borough of Croydon, 834 people were accommodated in temporary hotel accommodation at the end of September 2025.
This was an increase from both March and June 2025, in which there were 751 and 577 people housed, respectively.
This means an additional 257 people either left their long-term accommodation, moved into the borough, or required temporary hotel placements.
Compared with other south London boroughs, Croydon currently has the highest number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation.
Southwark follows Croydon, with 526 people in temporary hotel accommodation, making it the second highest in south London.
Lambeth is not far behind, housing 454 asylum seekers at the end of September 2025.
Merton has a smaller number, with 227 people accommodated in hotels, and Lewisham has 166.
The numbers in Bromley and Kingston upon Thames are significantly lower, at 48 and 47, respectively.
Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or fear for their safety.
Upon arrival in the UK, many are placed in temporary accommodation such as hotels while their claims are assessed and longer-term housing is arranged.
Local councils work alongside the Home Office to provide support during this period, ensuring access to essential services, healthcare, and education where needed.
Hotel placements are intended as a short-term solution, but they have drawn criticism from campaigners and some residents, who argue that more permanent housing options are urgently required.
