Bail for Immigration Detainees

21/07/2026

“I lost my accommodation because you detained me, and now you're telling me I can't get bail because I don't have accommodation.” 🔁

Powerful words from the launch of our new research report, No Accommodation, No Freedom.

This important report exposes a vicious cycle of failures in post-detention accommodation systems. As a result, people are left in immigration detention for months after a judge has granted them bail, despite there being no lawful basis for their continued detention.

Read more about the report and its findings here: https://www.biduk.org/articles/new-research-the-impact-of-accommodation-delays-on-release-from-immigration-detention

A huge thank you to our brilliant panellists, to Garden Court Chambers for hosting us, and to everyone who attended and contributed to such an important discussion.

24/06/2026

After 19 years, Pierre Makhlouf, BID’s Head of Policy and Strategic Litigation is stepping down.

Pierre’s time at BID has been defined by his unwavering commitment to challenging immigration detention and advancing justice through policy and strategic litigation.

On behalf of everyone at BID we thank you, Pierre, for your wisdom, kindness and dedication over so many years.

To mark the end of an era, we sat down with Pierre to reflect on his time at BID, the changes he’s witnessed, and what lies ahead.

To mark the end of an era, we sat down with Pierre to reflect on his time at BID, the changes he’s witnessed, and what lies ahead.

10/06/2026

🎉A huge thank you to all volunteers and members of our team who participated in our Walk for Justice at the 2026 London Legal Walk yesterday!

Thanks to all you support we’ve managed to raise an incredible £2000!

Every penny goes directly towards supporting our advice line and providing free legal advice to people detained under immigration powers across the UK.

Donations are still open and any contribution goes such a long way. 💛

Donate now: https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/bail-for-immigration-detainees-2026

05/06/2026

Celebrate Refugee Week with Bail for Immigration Detainees and Migrants Organise.

Join us on the summer solstice for an afternoon of music, creativity, food and community. In the longest day of the year, we'll be coming together to celebrate each other, the power of community and shine a light on people’s experiences.

Enjoy DJ sets from people with lived experience of immigration detention and allies, take part in an art workshop, and enjoy delicious vegan African and Caribbean food from Garden of Afruika, available to purchase on the day.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the vital work of Bail for Immigration Detainees and Migrants Organise.

📅 Saturday 21 June
🕐 2 to 8 pm
📍 1 – 3 Yorkton Street, London E2 8NH

Book your ticket now:

Join us this Refugee Week for a Summer Solstice pop up filled with music, creativity, food and community.

04/06/2026

⚠️ New research reveals legal advice in immigration detention is at an all-time low 📉⁠
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Last year, nearly 23,000 people were detained by the Home Office, yet our research found that only 27% of respondents in detention had a lawyer.⁠
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This is the lowest level of legal representation since records began sixteen years ago. ⁠
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At the same time, detention and deportation are only increasing - with an 11% increase in the number of individuals detained in 2025 compared to 2024.⁠
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No one should be detained without access to legal advice.⁠
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BID exists to provide legal support to people in detention who have nowhere else to turn. That’s why our staff and volunteers are walking 10km on Tuesday to raise vital funds.⁠
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Here’s how you can help: ⁠
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📚 Read the report: https://www.biduk.org/articles/new-research-access-to-legal-advice-in-immigration-detention-falls-to-record-low

👉Sponsor our Legal Walk team⁠: https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/bail-for-immigration-detainees-2026

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02/06/2026

🎉 Make some noise for our incredible volunteers this 👏👏👏

BID is people-powered by over 150 volunteers each year, working tirelessly to help people in detention apply for immigration bail.

In 2025, our volunteers spent an awe-inspiring 14,104 hours securing justice for people in detention.

In the words of one client:

"People at BID give you hope to carry on. It reaffirms that it is a beautiful world with beautiful people.”

Thank you for all that you do 🤝💛

Find out more about volunteering: https://www.biduk.org/pages/volunteer-for-bid

05/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day 💜

This is Nzinga’s* vision of strength, faith, community, and the future she refuses to give up on.

After more than three decades of waiting and surviving, with the support of her community, she finally has her security and is able to dream big. This is her vision for tomorrow.

This video accompanies our research with , , and , which evidences the experiences of thousands of families navigating long and complex deportation proceedings.

It shows how children’s voices, needs, and perspectives are often missing from decisions leading to the deportation of a parent.

📚 Read the full report via the bio
💜 Follow for more

*Pseudonym used

12/02/2026

Want to run to help end detention?⁠
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We have limited charity places available to run the SOLD OUT Hackney Half Marathon on 17 May for Bail for Immigration Detainees.⁠
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If you are concerned about increasingly hostile immigration policy, this is practical way to take action.⁠
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Every step you take will be in solidarity with people held in immigration detention, where research shows access to legal advice is at an all-time low.⁠
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By running for BID and raising funds for our free legal advice line, you will help make sure people in detention can get the advice they need to apply for bail.⁠
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We answer over 7,000 calls to our advice line each year from people in detention. With new detention centres opening, demand for our support is only increasing.⁠
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Help us be there at the end of the phone, providing expert legal advice when it is needed most.⁠
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Email [email protected] to sign up today.

09/02/2026

Nine UN experts have formally written to the UK Government, raising evidence of possible human rights violations linked to the UK France “one in, one out” deal.

Since the scheme began, we have represented 100 people seeking sanctuary who were detained for removal to France, including children, survivors of torture and trafficking, and people experiencing suicidal distress.

These are people who have made brave and arduous journeys to escape unimaginable horrors. Many are highly vulnerable, have strong asylum claims, and would previously have been granted protection.

This must never become the new normal.

We urge the government to respond to the UN experts’ letter by scrapping this inhumane scheme, which risks further human rights violations.

Experts identify potentially serious breaches over treatment of people and call for ‘one in, one out’ scheme to end

04/02/2026

Our client has been granted bail and is one step closer to being reunited with his four children, who have been separated from their father.
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“Your assistance has given me hope for a better future.”
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This is the impact of careful, expert legal work powered by our community of staff, volunteers and supporters.
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From just £3 a month, you can help us reunite more families. Become a regular donor: https://www.biduk.org/pages/67-support-our-work