Regional Immigration Detention Profile
The detention of asylum seekers and migrants is a growing concern in the Europe & Central Asia region, with increased use of administrative detention, including of asylum seekers, children and other vulnerable individuals.

The recently ratified EU Returns Directive raised serious concerns in the region. The Directive sanctions the detention of persons who have not committed a crime for up to 18 months pending removal. Unaccompanied children and families are also affected. This directive has seen the extension of time limits on detention in several countries. While others, such as the UK are derogating from the Directive, and continue to practice indefinite detention. The UK and Denmark currently routinely detain migrants for periods of years.

Detention of children is still routine in several countries, with concerns around detention conditions in many countries. See below for the latest news, resources and developments.

Regional Representatives:
The IDC ’s work in Europe & Central Asia is divided into two sub-regions:
1) Western Europe
2) Eastern & Central Europe

* To contact the IDC Regional Representative for Western Europe: Jerome Phelps, LDSG
* To contact the IDC Regional Representative for Eastern & Central Europe. Timea Szabo, HHC
* For Europe & Central Asia regional inquiries, please email: research@idcoalition.org

Members: To see our members in this region click here.

Groups: Members area coming soon.