Immigration removal centres

This page provides information about the UK Border Agency's immigration removal centres around the UK.

Our removal centres are used for temporary detention, in situations where people have no legal right to be in the UK but have refused to leave voluntarily. Those detained in any of our centres can leave at any time to return to their home country.

Some detainees are foreign national prisoners who have completed prison terms for serious crimes, but who then refuse to comply with the law by leaving the UK.

If detainees refuse to comply with the law and leave the UK, we will move to enforce their return.

Visiting someone in a centre

If you would like to visit someone in an immigration removal centre, you can find visiting hours on the web page for that centre (see below).

Facilities

We provide a high standard of facilities in our centres. These include libraries, formal education classes and access to on-the-job training. We aim to help detainees make the best use of their time and to prepare them for their return home.

The centres also provide primary healthcare facilities, equivalent to those available in the community. Other health facilities include dental, optical and mental health services.

Our centres' facilities are regularly and independently inspected.

Assisted voluntary returns

The assisted voluntary return scheme, which provides support to individuals and families who wish to return to their home country voluntarily, is open to many detainees. The support can include local training and education, as well as other forms of practical help. All detainees are advised about the scheme during their centre induction.

Our centres

Select a centre from the list below to find more information about it.