UK company drops wristband policy for asylum seekers after criticism

Clearsprings Ready Homes, a company contracted by the British government, asked the asylum seekers to wear wristbands so that they can receive food. The policy is receiving flak from British government officials.

A private company pulled back a controversial policy of asking asylum-seekers to wear red wristbands before they can receive food after it was widely criticized by some British government officials.

Asylum seekers in Cardiff were asked by a company contracted by British government to wear wristbands before they received foods. (Reuters File)

The officials say the policy exposes migrants to possible harassment and is impacting asylum-seekers in Cardiff, Wales, 240 km West of London who are being sheltered by Clearsprings Ready Homes, a company contracted by the British government.

Legislator Jo Stevens says the company has agreed to drop the policy, but company officials refused to comment on Monday. The company said it would make a statement later.

Some migrants have said wearing the wristbands has exposed them to abuse from local residents.

Questions about the policy follows news last week that some migrants elsewhere in Britain had had their doors painted red to identify them.