Overview

The Immigration (Time Limit on Detention) Bill proposes a 28-day limit on the detention of individuals under the Immigration Act 1971. This aims to prevent prolonged detention of immigrants awaiting examination or removal from the UK.

Description

This bill amends the Immigration Act 1971 to introduce a maximum 28-day detention period. Currently, there's no time limit on how long individuals can be detained under certain immigration provisions. The amendments apply to two key sections:

• Schedule 2, paragraph 16: Relating to the detention of individuals subject to immigration examination or removal.
• Schedule 3, paragraph 2: Concerning detention pending deportation.

The bill specifies that detention exceeding 28 days under either schedule is prohibited. The bill will apply across the entire United Kingdom and come into force six months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact on government spending will likely depend on the practical implementation of the 28-day limit and any associated administrative costs. Increased use of alternative measures to detention, such as reporting requirements, might offset any potential cost increases related to managing a higher throughput of immigration cases.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Immigrants awaiting examination or removal: This group will directly benefit from the 28-day limit on detention.
• Immigration officials: These officials will need to adapt their procedures to comply with the new time limit.
• Legal professionals: Lawyers representing detained individuals will see changes in how they manage their cases.
• Detainees' families and support networks: This group will also be affected by the shorter or longer detention periods depending on the implementation of the Bill.

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