Channel Migrants Launch Major Legal Action Over ‘Inhumane’ Treatment at UK Processing Centre

Legal Claims Mount Over Migrant Processing Centre

Almost 200 channel migrants have initiated legal proceedings against the Home Office, seeking compensation over claims of appalling conditions and unlawful detention at a holding centre near Dover. The asylum seekers allege ‘inhumane’ treatment, including sexual assault and physical abuse at Manston migrant holding centre between June and November 2022 during the Conservative leadership.

Serious Allegations and Conditions

The allegations include multiple serious issues at the facility:
– Outbreaks of diphtheria and scabies
– Denial of medical care
– Theft of property by guards
– Cold and unsanitary conditions
– Forcible separation of families
– Unlawful detention beyond the 24-hour legal limit

Potential Compensation and Legal Proceedings

Asylum seekers could receive compensation of £500 for each 24 hours spent in unlawful detention, though courts have the authority to award larger sums. The Home Office has thus far declined to settle these cases.

In response to these allegations, the Home Office has announced a public inquiry into alleged mistreatment of migrants at Manston, where some people were placed in tents in 2022. The results of this inquiry have not yet been published.

Broader Context of Channel Crossings

As of September 2025, the Home Office has detected 181,303 migrants who have crossed the English Channel in small boats since 2018. While crossing the Channel without permission is a criminal offence under UK law, international refugee law protects asylum seekers from being penalised for such entry.

Recent Developments

In a significant development, the government announced a new deal with France in July 2025 to return some people who arrive by small boat, in exchange for accepting an equal number of asylum seekers from France. The first returns are expected to begin later this month, and applications have been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration, subject to strict security checks. The government has indicated this is a pilot scheme, with potential for development and growth based on initial results.