New data has revealed that migrants trying to reach the UK were detained at UK-operated sites in France more than 9,000 times in the past year. The four short-term holding centres near Calais and Dunkirk—run by the UK Border Force alongside contractor Mitie Care and Custody—have faced criticism for their secrecy and lack of oversight.
Refugee organisations argue that these facilities operate in a legal grey area, with little transparency regarding conditions and detainee rights. Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, condemned the detentions as happening “without accountability,” raising concerns about how personal data and fingerprints are handled. Independent groups have also accused the UK Home Office of hiding detention figures to avoid scrutiny.
Reports from advocacy groups suggest migrants often do not understand why they are being held and sometimes receive no official paperwork. A past inspection found serious safeguarding failures, including inadequate legal advice, a lack of medical care, and neglect of vulnerable detainees, such as children and injured individuals.
The Home Office has defended its approach, stating that these detentions occurred under the previous government and that collaboration with France remains crucial in tackling illegal migration and dismantling smuggling networks. However, human rights organisations continue to demand greater transparency and accountability regarding the treatment of migrants at these facilities.