Glasgow, once renowned as a global centre for shipbuilding and industrial manufacturing, is now facing significant social and economic challenges amid a growing influx of asylum seekers. The city, which has welcomed the vast majority of Scotland’s asylum population, is grappling with high unemployment, widespread drug addiction, and strains on public services, raising concerns about its capacity to accommodate new arrivals.

Since 1999, Glasgow has played a central role in the UK government’s dispersal policy for asylum seekers, resulting in more than 4,000 of Scotland’s estimated 5,000 asylum seekers residing in the city. Smaller numbers have settled in other Scottish localities such as Aberdeen, Inverclyde, Perth, and Falkirk. Local officials and community leaders have expressed frustration that other regions have not taken a proportional share of the responsibility, placing disproportionate pressure on Glasgow’s resources.

The growing number of asylum seekers has led to protests against the use of local hotels as temporary accommodation, highlighting tensions within communities. As of August 2023, there were approximately 1,340 refugees housed in hotels or bed-and-breakfast facilities in Glasgow, a significant rise from 138 earlier in the year.

Many recent arrivals gather at support centres such as the Glasgow City Mission, located near the River Clyde—a symbolic area once dominated by shipyards. The Mission serves as a hub for homelessness services and provides food, clothing, and English language lessons. It attracts migrants who have endured dangerous journeys, often crossing the Channel in small boats, with limited prospects of finding paid employment.

Two Eritrean men recounted their journeys to Glasgow, affirming the city’s reputation within migrant networks as a welcoming place. One man, who had previously stayed in a hotel in Boston, Lincolnshire, described the lack of support there, noting, “I saw no other Africans there… Here, you can get help, housing and clothing.” Their experiences reflect the uneven distribution of services across the UK.

Alongside support centres, areas such as the Broomielaw walkway beside the River Clyde have become informal gathering spots, where tents and temporary shelters are increasingly visible. This underscores the challenges of providing sufficient accommodation and social services for the asylum population.

Among those seeking refuge is 19-year-old Zainab Aishamari from Kuwait, who is currently accommodated at a hotel near the City Mission with her husband. Declared stateless in her home country, she expressed hope of pursuing a career in healthcare, despite lacking work experience or training. However, such aspirations may be difficult to achieve in a city struggling with entrenched deprivation, underfunded education systems, and public health crises.

Glasgow’s socioeconomic landscape has shifted dramatically in recent decades. Once a hub of industrial innovation, it now faces persistent poverty and addiction issues, compounded by the additional demands of hosting a growing asylum-seeker population. Council officials warn that without increased support and more equitable distribution of asylum seekers across the UK, Glasgow risks being overwhelmed by its current role as a primary destination for new arrivals.