Irregular migrants and asylum-seekers: alternatives to immigration detention

This paper elaborates states’ obligations to provide effective alternatives to immigration detention for irregular migrants and asylum-seekers. It does not deal with alternatives to detention under criminal charge, or for national security or related reasons. Section I sets out the obligation of states to provide alternatives to immigration detention. Section II establishes how those alternatives are to be applied, while Section III discusses the use of particular alternatives such as documentation requirements, release on bail, reporting requirements, the use of residence centres or directed residence, as well as a note on electronic monitoring. Finally, a brief conclusion summarises key findings and recommendations for campaigning and advocacy.