If you were wrongly held in immigration detention, you may be owed compensation for it.

Unlawful detention compensation claims, handled directly by barristers. Usually no win, no fee, once we have reviewed your case.

Can you claim compensation for unlawful detention?

Yes. If your immigration detention was unlawful, you may be able to claim damages for false imprisonment, the legal term for being wrongly held, through the civil courts. Most people bring this claim after they have been released. The amount depends on how long you were detained and the circumstances of your case.

Many people do not know this claim exists, or assume it is too late once they are out. Often, it is not. Being detained is not the same as being lawfully detained, and where the Home Office got it wrong, the law allows you to be compensated for the time you lost.

Do I have to pay upfront to make a claim?

Usually not. These claims are typically taken on a no win, no fee basis, known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, once we have reviewed your papers and agreed to take the case on. That means the cost of pursuing the claim does not fall on you at the outset.

This is one of the reasons it is worth asking, even if you are unsure. There is little to lose in having the case looked at.

How does an unlawful detention claim work?

You send us the detention papers. Our head of chambers reviews the case and decides whether we can take it on. In cases where we do, it usually runs on a no win, no fee basis, and we aim to settle the claim wherever possible, often before it reaches the County Court.

Some claims begin as a judicial review in the Administrative Court, challenging the detention as unlawful, with the compensation element later transferred to the County Court. We can handle that route too, so the whole matter stays in one pair of hands.

How We Help

Unlawful Detention Claim and Compensation: usually no win, no fee

Send us the detention history and papers by email or WhatsApp
Our head of chambers reviews the case and decides whether we can take it on
Where we take it on, it is usually on a no win, no fee basis (a Conditional Fee Agreement)
We aim to settle the claim, often before it reaches the County Court
We keep you updated at every stage
Best for: those released who believe they were unlawfully detained

why us

Why work with us ?

You deal with a barrister directly

without paying for a solicitor first.

A real track record in recovering compensation

part of £1M+ recovered in damages for clients.

More than 27 years of experience

over 5,000 clients helped.

Offices in London and Leicester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim if I have already been released?

Yes. In fact, most unlawful detention claims are brought after release. We can review the history and advise whether a claim for the period you were held is worth pursuing.

Is there a time limit to claim?

Yes, time limits apply to these claims, so it is best to get advice sooner rather than later. We will tell you where you stand when we review your papers.

How much compensation could I receive?

It depends on how long you were detained and the circumstances. We give you a realistic view once we have reviewed the case.

Client testimonials

We are committed to delivering clear, practical advice and robust representation, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact ZH Law.

Ready to Talk?

Wrongly held and now released?

Email your documents or message us, and we will tell you whether you may have a claim.