Immigration Removal Centre Haslar

Asylum seekers are much in the news at present. It is not often realised that a significant minority are detained in prison-like conditions while their cases are considered. They are innocent of any wrong-doing but their detention can sometimes last for months or even years. Haslar Visitors Group befriends these men.

Haslar Immigration Removal Centre is unusual in being in prison buildings, operated by the Prison Service, wholly occupied by asylum seekers and immigration detainees. Despite its name, many of the men in Haslar are still fighting in the courts for permission to stay in this country and some will NOT be removed. All the detainees are male.

In addition to our work in Haslar, we run a drop-in for asylum seekers in Portsmouth. A drop-in is a place where asylum seekers in the community can come and meet professionals without prior appointment. There is a warm welcome, free food, a safe social space and access to professionals if needed.

The Visitors Group was founded in 1994 and became a registered a charity in January 2000. Although many members were originally from the churches, the organisation itself is secular and there are now visitors from all backgrounds. Of the 60+ members, men and women, about 30 are visiting at any one time. They range in age from students to the retired.