IMMIGRATION officers arrested a Polish rough sleeper yesterday morning.
The 39-year-old man was found at Richmond Hill, arrested, and subsequently served papers "as an EEA national not exercising treaty rights in the UK", according to a Home Office spokesman.
Despite being from the EU, the man's homeless status meant he is seen as a burden on the social assistance system of the UK.
"We consider rough sleeping an abuse of free movement rights even where it takes place in the first three months of an EU national's residence in the UK," the spokesman added. "We will take action against foreign nationals who refuse to find alternative accommodation, including removal from the UK."
The man was transferred to a detention centre and he will be deported.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel