New figures released to BBC Scotland reveal that dozens of asylum seekers have been detained at Dungavel immigration removal centre in South Lanarkshire for months, with some held for more than a year. The data, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, shows that on 7 January 2015, 41 of the 185 detainees had been held for over three months, 32 for more than six months, and two individuals from Western Sahara and Algeria for over a year. One Iranian detainee had spent 11 months at Dungavel and a total of almost two and a half years in detention.
The Home Office stated that it only detains people for the shortest period necessary. However, MPs have called for a 28-day limit on immigration detention, as the UK is the only EU country without such a cap. The All Party Parliamentary Groups on Refugees and Migrants argued that the Home Office's enforcement-focused culture leads to unnecessary detention, contrary to official guidance.
One former detainee, identified as Sol, spent two and a half years at Dungavel after serving a prison sentence for working illegally. His home country disputed his citizenship, preventing removal. He described detention as 'mental torture' and 'scary', noting the uncertainty of release or deportation. Sol now has a pending unlawful detention case against the Home Office and cannot work.
Psychiatrist Dr Katy Robjant, who studied long-term detainees, found that those held for over 30 days had higher rates of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She reported that clients often experienced nightmares or intrusive memories related to detention, including witnessing self-harm or hunger strikes.
Campaigners welcomed the MPs' call to end indefinite detention, highlighting the psychological toll on detainees. The Home Office reiterated its position that detention is used sparingly and for the shortest time necessary.
