ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Immigration detention in the United Kingdom

Immigration detention is when people who come to the United Kingdom are kept in a special place by the government while their immigration status is checked or when they are waiting to be sent back to their own country. It is like being in time-out, but for a longer time.

When people come to the United Kingdom, they need to fill out some special forms and get permission from the government to stay here. Sometimes, the government might think that the person did not fill out the forms correctly or that they are not allowed to stay in the United Kingdom. When this happens, the government can decide to put them in immigration detention.

Immigration detention centers are places where people who are waiting for their immigration status to be checked stay for a while. It is like staying in a hotel, but they cannot leave the building. There are people who work at the center who will take care of them and give them food, clothes, and help with any medical needs.

People in immigration detention centers stay there until their immigration case is resolved. Sometimes, the person is allowed to stay in the United Kingdom, and they can leave the center. But other times, they will be sent back to their own country. When this happens, they will be taken from the center directly to a plane that will take them back to where they came from.

It is important for people to follow the rules when they come to the United Kingdom so they do not end up in immigration detention. But if they do, they can be taken care of while they are waiting to find out what will happen to them.