Immigration detention claims

Q: How long do I have to make a detention claim?

It’s best to start a claim within one year of the beginning of the detention, as there are strict time limits. However, if it’s been more than a year, it’s still worth contacting us to see if you have a claim.

Q: Can You Claim Through Legal Aid Or No Win No Fee?

Many of our immigration detention cases are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there’s no financial risk* to you when making a compensation claim. We also offer legal aid, depending on whether you’re financially eligible. At the start of your case we’ll discuss funding options with you, advising you on which we think is most suitable.

Q: Can You Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One Who Died While Detained

We’ve helped families who’ve lost loved ones while being unlawfully detained, and we understand how traumatic it is. If someone close to you has died, our lawyers can help you with: Recovering compensation Representing you at an inquest Getting you the answers and apology you deserve from the Home Office.

In the UK, detention centres can hold you in prison-like conditions with no clear time limit. But there are strict laws about who the Home Office can detain and why.

The Home Office can make mistakes, and sometimes even act unlawfully. If this has happened to you or someone you know, we may be able to help you build a case, get justice, and claim compensation.

Speak to a Specialist

Understanding if you have been unlawfully detained?

You might have grounds for a case if:

You were separated from your child
Your detention wasn’t properly reviewed
You were physically or mentally unfit to be detained
You were assessed as an adult when you were a child
Someone you know has died while they were detained
Your detainment caused you to develop a medical condition
Your removal from the UK wasn’t possible within a reasonable period
You had a medical problem or disability which was made worse by detention
The Home Office made a mistake in your immigration case, and that mistake can be linked to the reasons you were detained.

We can help you make a claim even if only part of your detention was unlawful.

No matter what language you speak, we’ll find you the right interpreter or a lawyer who speaks your language. If you have disabilities, we can put extra measures in place to help you.

With our specialist knowledge of human rights law, our lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve, and hold the Home Office to account.

Speak to our specialist

Our team are here to ensure people receive the care, respect, and advocacy they deserve.

Yogi Amin

Partner and National Head of Public Law and Human Rights

Find out more

Meet Our Experts

Yogi Amin

Partner and National Head of Public Law and Human Rights

Find out more

Your rights as a detainee

No matter the reason you’re being detained, you have the right to:

Legal advice
Medical care
Practice your religion
Access your medication
Friends and family visits (organised through the official channels)
File a complaint if you feel your medical needs are being ignored or treated incorrectly.

We advise that you always keep a physical copy of your lawyer’s details with you, so you can contact us even if your phone is taken away. It’s also a good idea to have a physical copy of your doctor’s number, and any medical prescriptions.

Making an enquiry

We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.

Complete our online form
We need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phone
On the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointment
Your next step is an in-depth appointment with a specialist solicitor to discuss how we could advise you.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I be detained for in an immigration removal centre?

The most common reasons people are detained are if the Home Office believes:

You entered the UK unlawfully
Your claim to asylum was refused and you can no longer appeal
You’re in the UK without an immigration status or a pending application
Your asylum application was rejected because you’re protected by another country
You missed your allocated Home Office signing event (required by the Home Office if your asylum application is still in progress).

You can be held for multiple of the above reasons. But according to the Home Office’s own policy, you shouldn’t be detained if you can’t be removed from the UK within a reasonable period. This might include where there were certain barriers to your removal.

In addition, special rules must be followed if you:

Are pregnant
Are aged 70 or over
Are a survivor of torture
Are transsexual or intersex
Suffer from a severe physical disability
Suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder
Are a survivor of sexual or gendered violence
Have a mental health condition or a learning difficulty
Are a survivor of human trafficking or modern slavery
Suffer from other serious physical health conditions or illnesses.

How long do I have to make a detention claim?

What Will Happen When You Make An Immigration Detention Claim?

After you’ve contacted us, we’ll set up an initial chat to discuss your case and whether you have a legal claim. We’ll discuss which funding options are available to you, including No Win No Fee agreements or Legal Aid. If you have a claim, our lawyers will investigate and gather evidence to support your case. We’ll then prepare a letter to lawyers acting for the Home Office, seeking an out of court settlement. If the Home Office won’t settle out of court, then we’ll take your case to court to get you the justice you deserve. Even when trial dates have been set, we can often settle your case without it getting to court. If your case does need to go to court, we’ll be there to help you every step of the way, talking you through what will happen so you feel as comfortable as possible. A claim usually takes between six and 18 months. This may be longer for more complex cases.

Can You Claim Through Legal Aid Or No Win No Fee?

Can You Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One Who Died While Detained

Our commitment to you

Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.

01
Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
02
Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
03
Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.