Figures from the Home Office show that many migrants to the UK are being kept in detention for years, while the Home Office decides if they can remain in the UK.
The Independent reports that one migrant has been held in a detention centre for a total of 1,701 days – nearly five years – without being charged with any offence.
A total of 20 migrants have been kept locked up for a total of 53 years between them, with some migrants being held for around two years before a decision is made about their immigration status. Among the 20, four have been held for more than three years each.
A total of 3,387 migrants have been held under immigration powers in immigration removal centres – while others are held in “short-term holding facilities” and “pre-departure accommodation” before being deported.
The figures have been released as a “snapshot” of immigration in September 2014 – but exclude migrants being held for criminal offences.
Most of those being held are asylum seekers, while some are facing deportation because of visa overstays.
Release of the figures coincides with an ongoing backlash over government proposals to force overseas graduates to return to their own countries after graduating – and re-apply to return to the UK if they wish to work in Britain.
British entrepreneur and inventor Sir James Dyson has criticised the Home Secretary’s proposals. Sir James previously called for the “best and brightest” engineering students to be handed work visas at their graduation ceremonies to make sure the UK retains the skills of engineers it has trained.
Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors
Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise EU migrants and migrants from outside the EU on UK immigration law, including:
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For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
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