Gatwick pre-departure accommodation information
Published 26 June 2017
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This page provides information about Gatwick pre-departure accommodation for families.
Contact information:
Gatwick pre-departure accommodation
Perimeter Road South
Gatwick Airport
West Sussex
RH6 0PQ
- Phone: 01293 434876
1. What is pre-departure accommodation?
If families fail to co-operate with other options to leave the UK, such as the offer of assisted voluntary return, they could be required to stay in ‘pre-departure’ accommodation as a last resort. This has been designed as a secure facility which respects the privacy and independence of children and their families.
Gatwick pre-departure accommodation (PDA), opened in June 2017 and can accommodate up to 2 families at a time in self-contained apartments, with a range of activities provided by G4S Welfare Services.
Families will only be referred to Gatwick PDA based on advice of the family returns panel, an independent body of child welfare experts, and will stay for no more than 72 hours before their departure from the UK. In exceptional circumstances, with ministerial authority, this may be extended to 1 week.
2. Contractor information
Gatwick PDA is run by several agencies. Immigration Enforcement has overall responsibility, with G4S providing security services and facilities management, and under a separate arrangement, providing welfare and social care services to the families.
3. Facilities
Gatwick PDA has 2 individual apartments with a lounge area, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite shower room. The accommodation has been designed to create a family-friendly environment.
Facilities and services include:
- play areas, including a garden, for children
- resource room with access to IT and the internet
- lounges
- kitchen and dining area, where families can eat with other residents or prepare food
- multi-faith prayer room
- bathroom for disabled residents
- childcare staff, including qualified social workers
- welfare and counselling support to enable families, in particular children, to prepare for their return and receive assistance to manage emotional distress
- 24-hour healthcare, including daily access to a GP
4. Visits
Visit times for friends and relatives known to residents are between 9am and 9pm and must be booked. In exceptional circumstances, visits can be arranged outside of these hours.
All visitors must bring 1 of the following:
- passport (including foreign passports and travel documents recognised by HM Government and the European Union)
- biometric residence permit
- identity card
- photographic driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart)
Or 2 of the following:
- birth or marriage certificate
- rail or bus pass with photograph
- employer’s identity card
- student card
- young person’s proof of age card
- trade union membership card
- senior citizen travel pass issued by a local authority
- benefits book
Refreshments are available in the visits area.
Legal representatives should book appointments by fax on 01293 434846 and must also provide proof of identity as described above.
5. Directions
5.1 By road
The PDA is a short drive from Gatwick Airport. Leave the M23 at Junction 9, exit towards A23/Gatwick Airport.
5.2 By rail
London Gatwick Airport Railway Station is approximately 4 miles (8 minutes drive) from Gatwick PDA. Taxis are available at the front of the Airport.