UK Immigration: Report Shows Illegal Migrants in Detention for ‘Years’

A new report by John Vine, chief inspector of borders and immigration has today revealed that illegal immigrants and foreign offenders facing deportation are languishing in detention for months and even years because no new travel documents have been obtained for them. Illegal migrants and foreign offenders awaiting deportation are left in detention for months or even years at the cost of tens of thousands of pounds to the taxpayer, because of delays in obtaining travel documents for them. John Vine, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, says a sample group of 27 foreign offenders whose cases were examined in detail by inspectors had each been locked up for an average of 563 days – more than 18 months – beyond the end of their sentences.

Vine Report: Home Office Locking Up Detainees for Years

John Vine, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, says a sample group of 27 foreign offenders whose cases were examined in detail by inspectors had each been locked up for an average of 563 days – more than 18 months – beyond the end of their sentences.

The Chief Inspector, John Vine, uncovered a case of an ex-offender who remained behind bars for more than three and a half years – because there was no passport to send him home with. Vine, found that detention had so far cost the taxpayer £211,032 at the rate of £164 a night.

John Vine stated:

“I was concerned to find that the Home Office was keeping foreign criminals, who had completed their prison sentences, in immigration detention for months or even years in the hope that they would eventually comply with the re-documentation process. Given the legal requirement only to detain individuals where there is a realistic prospect of removal, this is potentially a breach of their human rights. It is also very costly for the taxpayer.”

Deporting Foreign Nationals with ‘no right to be in the UK’

Under UK immigration law, if a deportation order has been made against a foreign national, it not only authorises their removal but also renders them liable to be held in custody until they are removed.  The general presumption is that the deportation order is in the interests of the public good and that this consideration will outweigh all other factors – unless his deportation would breach his human rights.

It is understandable that a person living in the UK with no immigration status may have been here for many years such as if they were brought to the UK as a child. During this time, they may have adopted the culture and built strong relationships with settled persons. They may even have a family in the UK and as a result of many years living away from their home country may have severed ties. In these situations, these persons should seek legal advice on making their stay in the UK permanent legally.

Legal Advice for Illegal Migrants Contacted by Capita in the UK

Illegal migrants with strong Human Rights arguments ought to take legal advice and regularise their stay in the UK as soon as possible and before it is too late. If you have received correspondence from Capita, it is advisable that you seek immediate legal advice before enforcement action is taken against you by the Home Office.

Contact us to discuss your immigration situation and we will assess your case and provide you with options of regularising your stay.

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