Airbnb has offered free accommodation to people left stranded by President Donald Trump’s travel restrictions.
The president signed an executive order on Friday barring immigrants and visitors from seven, largely Muslim, countries from the US for 90 days.
Brian Chesky, chief executive of accommodation sharing site Airbnb, said the move was “not right” and tweeted that people in urgent need of housing should contact him directly.
“Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right and we must stand with those who are affected,” he said.
Some of the biggest US technology firms voiced alarm over the travel ban which caused chaos at many US airports and for airlines as those who were already in mid-flight were detained on arrival – even if they held valid US visas or other immigration permits.
It is not know how many others were turned away at airports overseas as they tried to board flights to the US.
The US ban on travellers with nationality or dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen triggered worldwide condemnation and protests.
A Scottish woman travelling on an Iranian passport was told she could not fly back from her holiday in Costa Rica via New York and was forced to book new flights via Madrid and London.
The UK secured assurances from the White House that the vast majority of British citizens will be exempted from Trump’s immigration ban.
Foreign secretary Boris Johnson is reported to have been told by Trump’s closest advisers that British citizens will be allowed to continue to travel from the UK to the US.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are offering refunds to customers affected by the ban on Muslims.
Customers who have flights booked with either airline will be able to re-book or get a refund on their tickets if they are no longer able to fly to the US, The Sun reported.
Dubai-based Emirates changed pilot and flight attendant rosters on flights to the US following the sudden US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority.
The world’s largest long-haul carrier, which flies daily to 11 US cities, made “the necessary adjustments to our crewing, to comply with the latest requirements”, an Emirates spokeswoman told Reuters.
She added US flights continue to operate to schedule.
Trump’s ban sparked dismay among US technology firms which employ thousands of Arab and South Asian immigrants.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook told staff that the president’s order was “not a policy we support”.
“We have reached out to the White House to explain the negative effect on our co-workers and our company,” Cook said.
Google recalled travelling staff members to the US after the executive order was signed.
Meanwhile, five people are reported to have been killed in a shooting last night at a mosque in Quebec City in Canada, an incident described by Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau as a terrorist attack.