Haslar Immigration Removal Centre
 | |
| Location | Haslar, Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Security class | Immigration Removal Centre |
| Population | 197 (as of July 2014) |
| Managed by | HM Prison Services |
| Governor | Mr Paul Millett |
| Website | Haslar Immigration Removal Centre at justice.gov.uk |
Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (formerly known as Haslar Prison) is an immigration detention centre, located in Haslar (near Gosport), Hampshire, England. The centre is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.
History
The establishment was previously known as Haslar prison, housing adult male offenders. However, from 1989 Haslar started exclusively holding foreign national prisoners.
In February 2002 Haslar was redesignated as a Removal Centre, and began operating under Detention Centre rules.
The centre today
Haslar holds those detained by the UK Border Agency during documentation procedures and during the process of removal or deportation. Only detainees awaiting deportation or appealing against their immigration status are held at Haslar. The vast majority of the population are ex-foreign national prisoners who have either completed their sentence, or have had their sentence “cut short” to speed up the deportation process.
The centre's living accommodation is divided between six dormitories (sized from 10 beds to 37 beds) which are divided into open cubicles of 1, 2, 3 or 4 beds. Detainees have free movement and association within the centre at any time, giving them the ability to organise their own days.
The CNA (Certified Normal Accommodation) is due to rise from the current 160 to 199 early next year. D dormitory that used to be the largest dormitory having 37 beds, has increased the population following the installation of bunk beds.
Courses offered by Haslar's Education Department (managed by Highbury College) to detainees include ESOL, Food Hygiene, Health and Safety, Business Skills and Information Technology. The centre also has a library, gym, and multi-faith chaplaincy.
The detainees also have a flat screen TV and DVD player in every room and play bingo on Saturday and Sunday evenings enabling them to win up to £4.50 each game.