The concerns follow widespread reports of squalid conditions at the reception centre - a non-residential facility designed to hold refugees while paperwork is processed - and the publication yesterday (Tuesday) of an inspection report which warned of children being held there too long.
The reception centre is designed to hold a maximum of 1,600 refugees, but according to the Refugee Council, the current number held there has reached 3,000 – a larger population than any UK prison.
The Refugee Council report that the overcrowding is due to a lack of outflow from the facility and an increase in the length of time people stay at the facility, despite the Manston only being equipped for stays of up to 24 hours.
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