Monitor Reports: Four in Five UK Immigration Detainees Released Without Deportation

Nearly 80% of UK immigrants detained in 2022 were released instead of being deported, the Independent Monitoring Board reports, noting increased detention times and concern for vulnerable individuals.

The UK detains immigrants to facilitate deportation, but most were let go, contradicting policy requiring reasonable prospects of timely removal. Legal challenges and health concerns often lead to release. Deportation rates dropped from an average of 44% in 2015-2019 to 22% in 2022.

Detention duration increased; one individual was held for over three years. The daily cost of detention per person is £112.85.

Amid plans to expand detention capacity for the contentious Rwanda removal policy, the report highlights mistreatment of seven detainees nearly sent to Rwanda in June 2021, including inadequate management and distress.

Power outages at Heathrow immigration centre prompted transfers affecting detainees' well-being and medication access. Vulnerability protection systems were found ineffective, with misuse of restraint on at-risk individuals.

The IMB stresses the importance of oversight in detention, while the Home Office asserts commitment to dignified, respectful detainee treatment and vows to improve safeguards.