Help If You're Detained
Know your rights and get immediate legal support
Call These Numbers Now
Detention Advice Service
Free legal advice for people in detention
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID)
Free legal advice and bail support
Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm
Your Legal Rights
These rights apply to you even in detention. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Your Rights While Detained
You have legal rights even in detention. You have the right to legal representation, the right to contact a lawyer, the right to know why you're detained, and the right to request bail.
First Steps to Take
1. Stay calm - detention doesn't mean your case is over. 2. Ask for the Detention Centre Rules immediately. 3. Request to speak to a lawyer - this is your legal right. 4. Write down everything that happens and when. 5. Contact your family or trusted friends as soon as possible.
Free Legal Help
You are entitled to free legal advice. The detention centre must provide you with a list of legal aid solicitors. Don't sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
Bail Application
You can apply for bail at any time. A lawyer can help you with this. You don't need to wait for a specific hearing. The sooner you apply, the sooner you might be released.
Visiting and Communication
You have the right to receive visitors and make phone calls. The detention centre should provide information about visiting hours. You can usually make phone calls daily.
Need to Talk to Someone?
Samaritans offers free, confidential emotional support 24/7
Call Samaritans: 116 123