Foreign nationals detained in Scottish prisons and detention centres: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many foreign nationals are detained in Scottish prisons and detention centres?

2. What percentage is this of the overall prison and detention population?

3. Are there any plans to deport foreigner national prisoners/ detainees as part of efforts to create capacity?

Response

1. How many foreign nationals are detained in Scottish prisons and detention centres?

Answer: Immigration Removal Centres are the responsibility of the UK Government, and as such we do not hold the information requested relating to those facilities. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

As at 02 October 2024, there were 629 foreign nationals detained in Scottish prisons (325 convicted and 304 untried).

2. What percentage is this of the overall prison and detention population?

Answer: As above, we do not hold information on Immigration Removal Centres. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

As at 02 October 2024, foreign nationals constituted 7.6% of the Scottish prison population.

3. Are there any plans to deport foreigner national prisoners/ detainees as part of efforts to create capacity?

Answer: Deportation is a matter reserved to the UK Government, and as such we are unable to provide this information. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.