Visit to Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre

Wednesday the 18th of January saw my first visit to an Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in my capacity as a trustee of Bail for Immigration Detainees.

I was invited to attend an advice surgery offered by BID staff ostensibly to deliver information on bail applications, and legal matters relating to the court processes pertinent to bail. It was a particularly gloomy day and the imposing brick building, reminiscent of an industrial warehouse, proved just as daunting on the inside. I have visited many prisons before and there was no tangible difference in the high security structure of Harmondsworth. A few personal observations sprang to mind as the afternoon unfolded.

Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) is a registered Charity No. 1077187. Registered in England as a Limited Company No. 03803669. Accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner Ref. No. N200100147. We are a member of the Fundraising Regulator, committed to best practice in fundraising and follow the standards for fundraising as set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice.