Human rights organisation Liberty has published a report revealing the financial cost of indefinite immigration detention – and the money that would be saved with the introduction of a 28 day time limit.
The case for placing a time limit on immigration detention rightly focuses on respect for people’s basic human rights and the rule of law. But in support of these calls, there is also a significant financial argument to be made.
Liberty
KEY FINDINGS
Announcing the report, Liberty said that the detailed study reveals that a 28-day time limit for everyone in immigration detention could more than halve the Home Office’s yearly detention outlay. Even with alternative provision in place, the Government would make considerable savings.
- In 2017/18, Home Office detention expenditure was £108m.
- Under a 28-day immigration detention time limit, there are potential long-term cost savings of £55-65m each year.
- On the available evidence, plausible alternatives cost less than detention, with a likely cost range of £6-30m.
The press release continues: “A more humane detention system comprising a 28-day time limit supported by alternative provision could yield long-term net savings of £25-35m or more each year.”
Read the background info and download the full report here: