Migrants expecting hotel stays end up detained, report finds anxiety and policy flaws

A recent inspection of Tinsley House immigration removal centre, located near Gatwick airport, found that migrants selected for the UK-France “one-in-one-out” deportation scheme were distressed after being told they would be housed in hotels but instead placed in detention. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said detainees expressed anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep, and many were unaware of what awaited them in France.

The report faulted Home Office procedures for identifying “very vulnerable men” as too slow and not thorough, questioning why so many were detained given that more than half were eventually released, incurring high taxpayer costs. It also noted a lack of communication with French counterparts and insufficient encouragement for detainees to join activities, which could aid mental-health recovery. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has highlighted that each return under the scheme now costs £56,000 and that over 1,400 migrants have been sent back, with the deal set to expire next month. The findings raise concerns about the treatment of small-boat migrants and the efficacy of the deportation policy.