IPCC and BIA

Section 41 the Police and Justice Act 2006 gives a new power to the Secretary of State to confer functions on the IPCC in relation to the exercise of enforcement functions by immigration officers, and by officials where this relates to immigration and asylum. The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) has published a Consultation document outlining its approach to regulation.

The oversight of the IPCC is to be welcomed. However we are concerned that the complaints procedure needs to be sufficiently robust to be able to respond to incidents that will often occur extremely quickly in relation to removals. We are also concerned that the jurisdiction needs to embrace all the agencies engaged in the detention and removal process – in particular those privately contracted to carry out immigration functions.

We have suggested there should be an advisory group involving refugee community organisations to provide support and feedback and that there should be regular monitoring and reporting.

Please note that this Refugee Council response is delivered in BIA's question and answer format.

Published in October 2007.

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