Legal orders preventing more than 100 vulnerable asylum seekers in Glasgow from being evicted have been continued as campaigners await a Court of Session decision. 

Campaigners who have continued to defend refugees during a campaign to remove around 300 asylum seekers from their homes have shared their releief after the decision at Glasgow Sheriff Court. 

Around 130 court actions concerning the proposed lock-changes by Serco were put on hold or continued – protecting the clients in all of these cases from having their locks changed. 

These interim interdicts come amid an ongoing battle against Serco, who continue to try and forcibly evict asylum seekers following an announcement in May, despite their contract to provide such housing ending almost two weeks ago.

READ MORE: Concern for Glasgow asylum seekers as threat of mass evictions looms

Both sides are currently waiting on a ruling on the legality of the procedures, which is expected in the coming days. 

Elsewhere, a handful of cases were dismissed, as asylum support had been reinstated for these clients.

Legal experts have said they were given no choice but to apply for these blockages to be put in place. 

Fiona McPhail, principal solicitor of Shelter Scotland said: “The collaboration of lawyers and charities working in this area has been calling on Serco to pause their lock-change programme since it was recommenced in June 2019.

READ MORE: Council asked to step up and provide housing for at-risk Glasgow asylum seekers

“Serco’s insistence on pressing ahead with the lock-changes, despite the lawfulness of this procedure being subject to ongoing litigation, has resulted in lawyers from Shelter Scotland, Legal Services Agency, Latta & co. and Govan Law Centre having no option but to take urgent steps to raise these interdict proceedings on behalf this very vulnerable client group.

“This client group is particularly vulnerable, not just because they claim to be fleeing persecution from their country of origin, but because unlike most of us, they are unlikely to have access to homeless services or other forms of social welfare. They are in effect being forced into destitution on the streets.”

Those who support the asylum seeking community also welcomed the court decision, but say some people have already been left destitute. 

Graham O’Neill, policy manager, Scottish Refugee Council, said: "We are deeply relieved that Glasgow’s Sheriff Court has maintained the protection against Serco rendering, through lock changes, vulnerable and traumatised men and women immediately street homeless. 

READ MORE: Serco could 'flee' Glasgow, leaving vulnerable refugees on the streets, campaigners say

“Every day, we see and hear the torment, confusion and fear of people that this cruel lock change programme is causing. Our colleagues are coming to work, facing a packed reception area with people in desperate need.

“And, these are men and women who sought safety here. They have fled countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Eritrea. Some, tragically and disgracefully, are now lock change victims. One woman has serious mental health issues, but now she is street homeless.

"One man had an urgent health appointment for heart problems, but he is street homeless too. That is the reality, that is why today’s Sheriff Court actions matter, and that is why we hope the Court of session appeal against summary evictions by lock changes is successful. 

“Were it not for the Sheriff Court’s actions today and Scotland’s housing lawyers, over 100 men and women would be facing lock changes and street homelessness within days or weeks.

READ MORE: Serco accused of spying on Glasgow refugees after two evictions

"They would be cast out onto Glasgow’s streets with nothing and nowhere to go. This is being done by a multinational with billions in revenue whilst the Home office, quite disgracefully, by-stand.

“Street homelessness should have no place in Glasgow, Scotland or the UK, and that includes in the asylum system.”

Serco have been approached for comment.