A large police presence is currently outside the site which has been transferred to the Home Office, with the first group of asylum seekers due to arrive tonight, with more continuing to arrive throughout the rest of the week.
No arrests have been made as far as the Observer is aware.
Local MP Simon Hart has issued a further update tonight stating that the occupation capacity has been downscaled slightly from 250 to 234 males, to comply with Covid-19 regulations.
“All occupants of the site have gone through the asylum screening process, which includes being photographed, having fingerprints taken, and stating their reason for claiming asylum,” said Mr. Hart.
“The Home Office informs us that the majority of occupants will be from Iran and Iraq.
“As part of the screening process, all those coming to Penally from a country not on the travel corridor list will have gone through a 14 day quarantine period in a hotel.
“They will be tested for Covid-19 in line with Government guidelines.
“As previously stated, the occupants are not under detention, so they can legally leave the site.
“However, all their meals and wellbeing services will be provided on the site and the Home Office anticipate they will have limited need to leave the site.
“If they do, there will be a checking in and out system to monitor where the residents are at all times. Anybody failing to return to the site will trigger an absconding process.
“Residents will not be receiving any state funding, so will not be in a position to make purchases outside the site,” continued Mr. Hart.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police, Dafydd Llywelyn who today (Monday) attended a further meeting with Home Office officials and partner agencies to discuss the matter, has accused the Home Office of ‘disrespecting’ the local community.
Following the meeting Dafydd Llywelyn stated: “I am totally frustrated that the finer details involving numbers and timescales are being kept from local leaders and residents. “There is a complete lack of ownership and leadership being shown by Ministers at the Home Office on this issue and this is disrespectful to the local community”.
PCC Llywelyn has actively been involved in ensuring adequate resources and planning is in place within Dyfed Powys Police since learning of the plans last week highlighting that the response by local leaders of service has been phenomenal.
“I am grateful to the Home Office’s operational team in Wales who have supported the planning and I will continue to personally support this activity,” he continued.
Last week the PCC wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary, noting local concerns of apparent lack of strategic planning. PCC Llywelyn said: “I reiterate once again what I emphasised in my letter to the Home Secretary last week, that greater strategic planning and engagement is needed to ensure we support and safeguard these vulnerable individuals and respond to local concerns.”