Charter flight removing detainees to India well organised but limited information left many anxious
A brief new report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMI Prisons) evaluates the UK's first large-scale charter flight removing detainees to India, which took place on 25–26 March 2025.
Image credit: WikipediaYou can download the 16-page report here.
The operation involved 45 Indian nationals, including one woman, escorted by 115 staff from Bournemouth Airport to New Delhi. Three of those being removed from the UK were returning voluntarily. Detainees were brought from immigration removal centres (IRCs) at Brook House, Colnbrook and Yarl's Wood for the flight.
Overall, inspectors found that the operation was well organised and detainees were generally treated with respect and professionalism. Minimal force was used, though one case raised concerns due to a waist restraint belt remaining in place for almost seven hours without the detainee's compliance being tested.
Key concerns highlighted by HMI Prisons included a lack of toilet privacy and inadequate provision of menstrual care products for the sole female detainee. While some progress was noted on past issues, inspectors found no examples of notable positive practice during this inspection.
The presence of Home Office staff helped provide updates to detainees, but many remained anxious due to limited information about their arrival in India.
HMI Prisons stated: "In our interviews, most detainees were aware of the day on which they would be removed, but none knew when or where in India they would be going. They told us that this made it difficult for them to arrange to be met in India or to plan any onward travel needs. Some detainees said that they had no address or means of support in the country."
A few detainees told inspectors that they feared they would be homeless on their return, as they had no family or friends in India.
Detainees' legal rights were generally respected, with the report noting:
1.14 Several detainees had their removal cancelled as a result of legal interventions, including one after arrival at the airport. Most detainees had access to a legal representative and spoke to them before boarding the plane.
1.15 All detainees had access to a mobile phone on the coach and plane, which they could use to contact legal representatives, family or friends.
1.16 Home Office staff were available at all the IRCs to deal with any lastminute updates relating to detainees' cases. On boarding the plane, detainees were advised that they could speak to a chief immigration officer (CIO) during the flight. The CIO's surgery was held with the two interpreters present. This was reasonably relaxed and sufficiently private.