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Staff recruitment begins for Haslar Immigration Removal Centre ahead of 2027 reopening
Overview
Staff recruitment has started for the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport, which is scheduled to reopen in 2027 to house up to 130 migrants awaiting deportation. A planning inquiry is set to begin regarding a government proposal to expand the facility to 600 beds, a plan that has drawn strong opposition from local residents, the local council, and campaigners over infrastructure and disruption concerns.
Key points
- Staff recruitment has begun with the advertisement of seven detention engagement officers for Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
- The facility in Gosport is scheduled to reopen in 2027, initially housing up to 130 migrants with no lawful right to remain in the UK.
- A planning inquiry starting on 17 November will examine proposals to expand the facility to 600 beds using adjoining seafront land.
- Local residents, Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, and Gosport Borough Council have raised concerns regarding disruption, democratic accountability, and local health service pressures.
- The Home Office defends the expansion as critical for strengthening detention capacity and ramping up removals.