Guidance

Information for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Algeria

Updated 7 November 2024

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in Algeria, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad.        

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Algeria and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in Algeria:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the British embassy in Algiers on +213 (0) 770 085 000 or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions, and consulates overseas.

Contact details for the Embassy in Algeria:

Address: Ambassade Britannique, 3 Chemin Capitaine Hocine Slimane (ex-Chemin des Glycines), Algiers, Algeria.

Telephone number +213 (0) 770 085 000

Fax number +213 (0) 23 487 405

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Algeria, we often learn of an arrest informally from friends, family, or lawyers several days after the arrest. Once we learn about your arrest, we aim to contact you as soon as possible.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available, we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)

What we cannot do:

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing your family

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared by ourselves or authorities in Algeria.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Algeria

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station and basic rights

During your arrest, the police officer must record in the report all the account of the event which led to your arrest. They must also immediately inform the public prosecutor and submit a report to them on the reasons which led to your arrest. This report includes a record of the interrogation, the rights exercised by the detainee, the duration of the interrogation to which they were subjected, the breaks that separated these interrogations and the day and time they were either released or brought before the competent judge. Unless the case moves to trial, your lawyer will not have access to this report.

What information must be shared with you:

The police officer must inform you of your rights, which are:

• to contact your family
• to be provided with any necessary means to do so
• to know the reasons for your detention

Police and immigration officials can detain someone when a complaint is made or when they are called to the scene of an incident. You can be held in a police cell for an initial period of 48 hours (renewable in certain cases) during or after which, you will either be released or brought before a public prosecutor. You have the right to a telephone call and a private audience with a lawyer of your choice. The police will take your statement then ask you to sign the typed statement. It will be in Arabic, but a translation should be offered.

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

When there is enough evidence to open a prosecution case, the investigation stage is closed, and the trial stage is opened: the file moves from the police to the judge, and it bears a number prefixed by “PV” (process verbal).

Appearing at court

You should appear before the public prosecutor, within 48 hours of being arrested. There can be exceptions to this, for example if you happen to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, medically unfit or there is a public holiday.

The Judge will then notify you of your right to request a delay to prepare your defence if you and your lawyer wish so.

If your case is not in a condition to receive judgment, the court will order the case to be referred to a next hearing.

Proceedings in the court will be conducted in Arabic. If you need to be questioned by the Court, an official interpreter from the Ministry of Justice would normally be appointed. You will not be expected to pay for this service.

Initial arrival at prison

At your arrival to prison, you should be informed about all the implemented local prison regulations for your category, disciplinary regulations, and all other permitted methods to obtain information, filing complaints and all other relevant information such as your rights, duties, and how to behave inside the prison facility.

The British Embassy cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. The only property we can keep for you are your passport and driver’s licence. However, these are usually retained at the courts until the end of your sentence. Please note that your passport might be kept by the courts as evidence of the alleged crime or as a condition for your bail/parole. This measure is taken by the courts to prevent detainees from skipping bail.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Accommodation

Conditions in Algerian prisons are basic. There are no single or double cells, and you will be sharing a cell with many other prisoners. Overcrowding is a problem. You should be aware that the conditions of toilets and showers are poor.

Algerian prisons provide basic toiletries, standard clothing, or linen. Items can be purchased directly from the prison shopping list offered by most of the prisons.

Food and diet

The food provided is a balanced diet supplying the necessary daily nutritional requirements. A special diet can only be provided on medical (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) or religious grounds. This does not apply to vegetarians. You can supplement your diet by buying items from the prison shop, when available. Drinking water is available.

The prison shop offers a limited selection of items, including soft drinks, canned food, cheese, sweets, personal hygiene products, tobacco, envelopes, stamps, and stationery. you can purchase goods up to a weekly limit of 1,500 DZD.

Work and study

Working inside the prison:

To aid in your social reintegration and skill development, you are permitted to participate in work programs within the prison. Open positions may include roles in the kitchen, such as a culinary assistant, or in the prison library. You could also contribute to the prison’s upkeep by working as a cleaner or a general assistant. The specific opportunities available will depend on your physical and mental capabilities as well as the current vacancies within the prison.

The prison director must consult the Penal Enforcement Committee to determine your suitability for work, considering your physical and mental health in accordance with prison regulations.

The prison is responsible for collecting your earnings from your employment. These funds will be allocated as follows:

• one-third: deposited to cover potential legal fees, memberships, or fines
• one-third: deposited for your personal use
• one-third: held until your release from prison

Upon completing your sentence, you may receive a work certificate acknowledging your participation in the prison’s work program.

Studying inside the prison:

The prison offers courses to all prisoners without exception.

There are two types of studies:

Academic learning:

1. You will be able to study for qualifications while imprisoned; from primary level to high school and university levels but generally you will need to speak the local language (Arabic) to be able to do so. In some exceptions where you for example are having a university degree in which the language required is English, then you do not need to speak the local language.

2. You can also benefit from other special classes. for example, Language classes, and other classes (upon your request) if approved by the prison director. All you need to do is to write a request to the Prison director.

Vocational Learning:

The prison offers a diverse range of vocational training programs accessible to all inmates. These programs cover various fields, including industry, agriculture, and finance.

Training can be conducted in person or through distance learning. Local authorities can facilitate arrangements for distance learning and provide the necessary materials, such as pens, notebooks, and textbooks.

Benefits

• certification: successful completion of vocational training programs results in a certificate
• pardon eligibility: earning a Baccalaureate degree while incarcerated may increase the chances of receiving a presidential pardon

Contact and languages

Contact with other inmates is permitted but in specific timings. You can meet in prison cells, prison court, gym, during cultural events, when working. Etc.

You are likely to be put in a cell with other English-speaking inmates, but this is not always guaranteed.

The guards in charge of English-speaking prisoners have basic English and the prison can provide local language classes upon your request.

You do not have access to internet, but you have access to writing tools and studying tools.

The prison has a library with some books in English. You may be able to order books, magazines, or newspapers from outside. You also have access to a television but only during specific timings.

You can also request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

Prisoners in Algerian prions typically have access to an outdoor area where they can exercise, socialize, and engage in recreational activities.

The prisons often organize sporting events, such as football games, as well as cultural activities. However, these events are usually scheduled at specific times.

Climate

The climate of Algeria varies considerably from north to south. The coastal area has a Mediterranean climate, while the highlands south of the coast have hot summers and cold winters with little rain. In large parts of the country there are significant changes between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Religion

You have the right to practice your religion inside the prison including receiving regular visits from the cleric of your religion.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Although recreational drugs are forbidden in Algeria, tobacco cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (snuff) are generally permitted in Algerian prisons.

Visits: family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You have the right to receive visits from family and next of kin until the fourth degree, your spouse, and your relatives in law until the third degree. Information on prison visits, including visitation hours, can be found on the webpage of the court overseeing the prison you are in. Your family may also consider asking your lawyer for information on how and when they can visit you.

Visits by people outside of your family such as humanitarian organizations or a religious cleric, can be authorised if the purpose of the visit is seen as beneficial to your welfare.

You also have the right to receive visits from your lawyer, the person acting on your behalf in financial matters or any public officer/agent as long as the purpose of the visit is for legitimate reasons.

What can visitors expect

Visits in prison take place in small rooms where the prisoner sits behind a glass window or wired grill (depending on the prison). A prison guide supervises the visits. Visitors are searched prior to entry to the facility and will need to show their ID and a valid visit permit.

Prisoners are generally permitted one weekly visit of at least 15 minutes. A maximum of four visitors may attend each session.

What is allowed to be brought to prison

Visitors can bring:   

• certain types of foods except drinks, Nuts, and canned foods
• clothing
• bedding
• books – subject content is limited e.g. no crime, politics, sex, or violence, etc, the cover should not contain any pictures

Any item brought to you will be subjected to strict security checks. Food should not be brought in metal containers and total weight must not exceed 10kg.

Visits: consular staff

If you are sentenced, Consular staff will keep in touch by visiting you at least once a year; However, in some circumstances we might visit more often (e.g. if we are concerned about your health or welfare, including mistreatment). During our routine visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any welfare related issues including your health, security and treatment and any other issues that you wish to raise with us.

At each visit, Consular staff will complete a “Visit Report Form.” If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to your Next of Kin, you should let us know during the visit.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you, at the below address:

Ambassade Britannique,
3 Chemin Capitaine Hocine Slimane (ex-Chemin des Glycines)
Algiers

However, if it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

Emergency trips outside the prison are possible on exceptional humanitarian grounds if an urgent situation arises (e.g. funerals and critical illness of a prisoner’s next-of-kin). A judge will need to make a decision for this to be possible and the trip will be held under strict surveillance.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are two ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

You have the right to receive and possess items that are allowed by prison regulations. This includes postal items, banking materials, and other personal belongings.

However, you are not allowed to possess money, jewellery, or other valuable items. The prison authorities will keep a record of any valuable items that you give them for safekeeping.

You have the right to manage your finances according to the law. Any financial transactions or legal actions must be conducted with the assistance of a notary or bailiff.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

If your family wishes to send you funds for legal fees, the best method of doing this is through Postal Order. Payments by Postal Order, Bankers Draft or Building Society cheque should be crossed and made payable to “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”  They should be sent to:

Accounts Receivable 
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 
Corporate Service Centre 
PO Box 6108 
Milton Keynes 
MK10 1PX

We recommend that you use Recorded or Special Delivery. Please ensure that you include a note briefly explaining who the money is for and why. (Alternatively, you may use the payment slip on next page.)

If you would like a receipt, please include a stamped addressed envelope.

Please note that personal cheques can take up to fifteen working days to process and clear before we can advance funds. We do not accept Card payments, or cash sent in the post. If you wish to pay by cash, you can take the money to our offices at Northgate House, Milton Keynes but will need to telephone first to make an appointment.

To: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Date:  

Please find enclosed funds for: 

Full Name: 

Country/place the above is in: 

Amount enclosed: 

Fee to be deducted: 

Payment method: 

My name is: 

My address is:

Electric bank transfers: Contact your bank to arrange.

A “BACS” transfer usually takes 3-5 working days to clear in our account. Some banks do not charge for this service. If you have internet or telephone banking, you may be able to arrange without visiting your bank.

A “CHAPS” transfer is usually received in our account within 12-24 hours. You will normally need to visit your bank to arrange, and banks normally charge for this service.

For both the above bank transfers you will need to include the following details:

Bank	Citibank
Account name	GBS Re FCO Multivote Account
Sort Code	08-33-00
Account Number	12537125
Reference	Name of the person you are sending the funds for, plus country name       e.g. JOE SMITH – THAILAND

You may also need our bank address which is: Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB.

Prisoners Abroad

If your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials.

Contact Prisoners abroad:

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk 

Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk

Money received from the UK will be converted into local currency and sent to consular staff at the British Embassy who will then transfer your funds to the prison authorities.

Money sent to you will be deposited in your prison account, where this facility is available. Please note that our Consular staff cannot be responsible for the loss of funds by the Prison Authorities.

Please note that the Embassy does not provide financial support to British Nationals in prison abroad.

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, the local authorities are responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

The right to access health care is guaranteed to all prisoners.

You can benefit from the medical services inside the prison and when necessary, outside the prison.

You will be seen by a general doctor and a psychologist upon your entry to prison, you will have the same checks when you finish your sentence and getting ready to leave the prison.

You will also receive Mandatory Vaccinations against contagious diseases, and medical tests routinely.

If you show signs of a mental health illness due to drugs or any other addictions, a detox treatment will be applied in a specialized medical institution. The competent public prosecutor will issue a placement decision under observation based on the recommendation of the medical staff of the prison.

The placement decision will be terminated subject to observation of the medical staff in the rehab facility. You will then return to the prison to serve the remainder of your sentence.

If you were to decease, the prison director would notify the appropriate authorities at the Ministry of Justice, local administrative offices, and your family.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you have are brought to the attention of the police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Consular Officers can provide your family with the address to which mail can be sent to you. Please be aware that letters may be opened and read by the prison authorities.

Telephone calls

In Algeria, some new prisons have telephone facilities, which can be used by prisoners. Most of the older prisons do not have telephone facilities. If you wish to inform anyone about your circumstances, we are happy to pass on messages to your family or friends.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain local complaints’ procedures and support organisations that you may wish to contact. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible, take photos of your injuries.

You can lodge a complaint directly to the prison administration or through your lawyer. The British Embassy could also raise concerns on your behalf.

Chapter 3: The Algerian judicial system

Overview

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

The police and immigration officials can detain a person when a complaint is made or when called to the scene of an incident. The police will take your statement then ask you to sign the typed statement. It will be in Arabic, but a translation should be offered.

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See list of local English-speaking lawyers in Algeria.

Below you will find more information about the Algerian judicial system.

How long you can be remanded in custody

You can be held in police cells for the purpose of the enquiry for an initial period of 48 hours (renewable up to 12 days if suspected of involvement in terrorism acts) during or after which, you will either be released or brought before a judge.

After you are charged

at the conclusion of your detention, you will be brought before a prosecutor. The prosecutor will inform you of the charges that have been brought against you and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Bail

To date, there is no right to release on financial bail in Algerian law. Nevertheless, according to Article 132 of the CPC, foreign nationals may be required to post a bond in exchange for their release on parole.

The amount of the bail will only be returned in part to you, if you present yourself for all procedural acts during the trial, and in part to the other party in the event of dismissal, absolution, or acquittal.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see our list of English-speaking lawyers for a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Prisoners Abroad can also supply information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

You can hire a lawyer for yourself at any time; a list of English-speaking lawyers will be given to you by a Consular officer. Normally, if you hire a private lawyer, they will ask for a cash advance for their estimated legal fees before they will take your case on. The British Embassy cannot pay legal fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.

Alternatively, your case will be taken by a public defence Lawyer (in criminal matters only), and if later you manage to hire a lawyer the case will be transferred to the new lawyer. The public defence lawyers do not visit their clients until given permission and the communication will only be in French or Arabic.

Legal aid

Legal aid in Algeria offers financial assistance and legal representation to eligible individuals who are unable to afford legal services. This support is typically provided for specific legal matters.

To be eligible for legal aid in Algeria, you must meet one of the following criteria:

General eligibility:

Any individual, legal entity, public institution, or association, whether accused or victim who fits the below specific eligibility criteria.

Specific Eligibility:

By Right:

• widows of martyrs (who have not remarried)
• individuals wounded and disabled by war
• minors involved in legal disputes
• individuals seeking alimony
• individuals seeking custody rights
• workers involved in cases of work accidents or occupational diseases, and their beneficiaries

Trial

Trials are conducted in the Palace of Justice of the region where the alleged crime occurred. These proceedings are generally open to the public, unless the judge deems that public attendance could compromise public order or morality. Additionally, the judge may restrict the attendance of minors.

On the day of your trial, you will be directed to the court office overseeing your case. A judge will oversee the proceedings, with the public prosecutor and your lawyer also present. If you do not speak Arabic, it is your responsibility to hire an interpreter to facilitate communication during the trial. See list of accredited interpreters.

Both the defence counsel and the defendant will have an opportunity to present their case. The judge will then deliberate before delivering a verdict or adjourning the case for further proceedings.

More information about legal aid including the application process can be found on the website of the Algerian ministry of justice.

Sentences

No suspended sentences are given to foreigners. If you are convicted of a drug offence, including possession and consumption, you face potential fines and imprisonment ranging from 2 months to two years. However, those convicted of drug trafficking could receive significantly harsher penalties, including prison sentences of 10 to 20 years or even life imprisonment in certain cases.

The law in criminal matters is strictly applied and each offence carries its own penalty. This is the principle of legality of offences and penalties. This means that if there is no text incriminating an act and attributing it a specific penalty, there will be no applicability of penalties.

There are main penalties and additional penalties. The principal penalties are those that can be pronounced without being added to any other. Supplementary penalties are those which cannot be pronounced separately from a principal penalty unless expressly provided for by law. They may be mandatory or optional.

Article 5 of the Algerian Criminal Code provides for a list of penalties according to the categories of offences.

 The principal penalties in criminal matters are:

• death
• life imprisonment
• criminal imprisonment for a term of five (5) to twenty (20) years, except where the law determines other maximum limits

The principal penalties in matters of misdemeanour are:

• imprisonment of more than two (2) months to five (5) years unless the law determines other limits
• a fine of more than twenty thousand (20,000) DA

The main penalties for violations of the law are:

• imprisonment for a minimum of one (1) day and a maximum of two (2) months
• a fine of between two thousand (2,000) DA and twenty thousand (20,000) DA

Appeals

The appeal process provides a mechanism for parties to challenge court decisions. In cases where a judgment is issued by the Criminal Court of First Instance convicting you, you will have a 10-day period (or 2 months if residing abroad) to file an appeal. This timeframe begins on the day following the judgment’s announcement. The public prosecutor, meanwhile, has a 2-month window to appeal the decision. Importantly, the execution of the judgment is suspended during the appeal period.

If the judgment originates from the Criminal Court of Appeal, you will have an 8-day window to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court. This appeal period commences on the day after the judgment’s delivery.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Algerian law makes provision for reduction of sentence for prisoners depending on their good behaviour, educational degrees obtained while in prison, their sentences, duration etc. There is no application procedure. It is a ministerial decision.

Conditional release

conditional release is available to prisoners who have served a portion of their sentence and demonstrated good behaviour. To be eligible, prisoners must pay legal costs, fines, and civil reparations unless they obtain a withdrawal from the civil party. Those who provide information to prevent serious crimes or aid in the arrest of criminals may be granted conditional release without completing a probationary period. The decision for conditional release is made by the judge of the application of sentences, with input from the commission of the application of sentences. For sentences exceeding 24 months, the Minister of Justice has the final say. If the conditional release is not revoked, the prisoner is considered definitively released at the end of the designated period.

Clemency or pardon

In Algeria, the President of the Republic has the constitutional power to grant pardons. However, the Superior Council of the Magistracy must provide an advisory opinion before this power is exercised. Pardons are typically granted after the completion of the judicial process. The Constitution and Penal Code allow for the commutation of life sentences to 20 years of imprisonment. Prisoners can apply for pardons or commutations, but those convicted of certain serious crimes, such as rape, terrorism, or drug trafficking, are ineligible. The President also periodically grants general pardons to specific categories of prisoners, often on national holidays.

Financial penalties

Any financial penalties will need to be paid in full before the prisoner is released from custody except in the case of presidential pardon.

Transfer to another prison within Algeria

In Algeria, prison transfers involve moving a prisoner from one penitentiary to another under escort. Prisoners have the right to inform their family about such transfers. Prisoners who are assessed as dangerous or those who have failed to respond to disciplinary measures may be transferred to penitentiary establishments with reinforced security wards. Additionally, individuals sentenced to death are transferred to specific penitentiary establishments designated by the Minister of Justice and placed in reinforced security areas.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

Algeria and the UK do not have a Prisoner Transfer Agreement, so transfer back to the UK is unlikely.

Release and deportation

Deportation procedures

Foreigners found to have broken Algerian laws may be deported. The Ministry of the Interior makes the final decision. Deportation can be enforced if you refuse to leave voluntarily or are deemed a threat.

Factors that affect deportation include the severity of the crime, ongoing legal cases, and humanitarian considerations. By humanitarian considerations, it refers usually to foreigners who are married to Algerians or long-term residents.

You have the right to appeal the deportation decision, have legal representation, and use translation services. However, the appeal process has time limits.

Returning to the UK

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to take a shower, use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings, Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell your consular caseworker when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners A broad’s Aftercare Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area.
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later, you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm or contact your local Salvation Army branch.

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Chapter 4: Additional information

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you are arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays and Tuesdays 9:30am to 6pm (UK time)

Wednesdays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK

Annex

Useful links:

• FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad
• FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals
• list of English-speaking lawyers
• list of Private Translators/Interpreters
• Prisoners Abroad Forms