 |
answer text |
<p>The Government published statistics relating to COVID-19 and the immigration system
on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statistics-relating-to-covid-19-and-the-immigration-system-may-2020),
on 28 May and the latest Immigration Statistics publication (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-march-2020)
includes the numbers of individuals detained under immigration powers in prisons.</p><p>
</p><p>Since the UK lockdown was announced on 23 March 2020 (up to the 30 April 2020),
295 people have entered detention, 231 of which were clandestine entrants held by
UKVI for processing before being dispersed through appropriate routes. Those being
held for processing spend very short periods of time at a short-term holding facility
and can only be held for a maximum of seven days. This does not include those who
were transferred to the detention estate from prison. Statistics on people in immigration
detention during the second quarter of 2020 (April to June) will be published in August
in the immigration statistics quarterly release.</p><p> </p><p>Immigration offenders
encountered by Immigration Enforcement by chance or as part of a planned operation,
will be considered for detention for the purpose of removal, on a case-by-case basis,
by applying the published detention and adults at risk in immigration detention policies.
Information on the current situation in any given country is used when making decisions
to detain.</p><p> </p><p>The safety and health of people in the detention estate are
of the utmost importance. We are following all Public Health England guidance and
have robust contingency plans in place. As of 17 June 2020, there are no confirmed
cases of COVID-19 in immigration removal centres.</p><p> </p>
|
|
