Staff recruitment begins for Gosport migrant removal centre reopening

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

The Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport is recruiting staff ahead of its planned 2027 reopening to house migrants awaiting deportation.

The Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport has begun recruiting staff ahead of its planned reopening in 2027. Seven detention engagement officers are being sought for the facility, which will initially accommodate up to 130 migrants awaiting deportation.

The centre closed in 2015 and is undergoing major redevelopment following plans announced by the Conservative government in 2022. The initial phase involves refurbishing existing buildings to create 130 bed spaces, compared to 198 when the centre last operated. The government has stated that modern facilities will ensure 'safe and secure environments for detained men'.

A planning inquiry into further expansion, which could add 470 beds on adjacent seafront land owned by the Home Office, is due to begin on 17 November. A main contractor for this second phase has already been appointed and design work has started. The government says the expansion is 'critical to strengthen detention capacity'. Almost 500 comments have been received about the expansion plans, with the majority opposing it. Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage expressed concern that residents faced further disruption, having already endured two years of disturbance from initial redevelopment work.

How it is being reported

• Recruitment starts for staff as Hampshire migrant removal centre to reopenThe government is looking to hire staff at a Hampshire immigration removal centre as it is set to reopenSouthern Daily Echo · 14 Oct, 16:47
• Staff recruitment starts for migrant removal centreThe Gosport removal centre would house migrants with no lawful right to remain before they are deported.BBC Hampshire · 13 Oct, 11:48

In this story: Haslar Immigration Removal Centre · Gosport · Home Office · Dame Caroline Dinenage · Shabana Mahmood

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