Since 2020, more than £1 million of UK taxpayer money has been allocated to provide SIM cards for asylum seekers. This expenditure forms part of a broader £6.6 billion budget spread across at least 200 government contracts aimed at supporting asylum seekers and refugees. These initiatives cover a wide range of services, including social support programs, sports activities, and research projects designed to improve integration and wellbeing.
One of the significant contracts, valued at £560,000, was awarded to Atamis Ltd to provide data-only SIM cards for asylum seekers housed in accommodations without internet access. This contract ran from June 2020 to March 2022, ensuring that those without WiFi could stay connected and access essential information. Following this, in March 2024, the Home Office signed a £528,000 deal with British Telecommunications Ltd to continue supplying SIM cards through 2026. An initial batch of 2,000 SIM cards was ordered, each featuring at least 60GB of data per month with no fair usage restrictions — a stark contrast to the national average data usage of just 8GB per month in 2022.
The distribution of these SIM cards was detailed in the contract, which specified that supplies should be delivered to at least eight locations across the UK. Moreover, the SIMs had to accommodate the different sizes required by various mobile devices. Although initially intended for six-month use, a framework agreement extended the minimum term to 24 months, with the flexibility to terminate with 30 days’ notice.
Beyond communication support, the UK government’s spending on asylum services has faced scrutiny due to the high costs of other initiatives. Funds have been allocated to social integration programs, language classes, and sports coaching. For instance, over £300,000 has been spent on “friendship schemes” in cities like Bristol and Hull, while nearly £200,000 was used to fund activities like tennis and volleyball for asylum seekers. These efforts, while intended to aid social inclusion, have sparked debates about spending priorities and the effective use of public funds.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the spending, emphasizing the legal obligation to support asylum seekers who would otherwise face destitution. The government also stated its commitment to ensuring better value for money moving forward by introducing stricter controls on non-essential expenditures. As efforts to reform the asylum system continue, the focus remains on providing essential support while curtailing costs associated with housing and welfare programs.