UK company criticized for asking migrants to wear wristbands

LONDON (AP) — A private company requiring asylum-seekers to wear red wristbands before they can receive food has been criticized by some British government officials who say it exposes migrants to possible harassment.

The policy is impacting asylum-seekers in Cardiff, Wales, 155 miles (240 kilometers) 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 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.