The first asylum seekers have arrived on the Bibby Stockholm barge with more expected later today, it is understood.
Plans to house illegal migrants on the barge moored in Portland Port, Dorset, have been repeatedly delayed.
While only a small number of migrants are expected to be housed on the barge at first, it will eventually accommodate up to 500 males.
Home Office Minister Sarah Dines earlier said the first asylum seekers were expected “imminently”.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We’re expecting pretty soon, imminently this week, in the coming days that people will be on the Bibby Stockholm.
“For operational reasons, you wouldn’t expect me to confirm the hour or the day but it is pretty soon.”
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