Draft — not yet legally reviewed
My documents have been taken
Ask for a receipt that lists every document they are keeping.
Photograph your documents now, before anything happens, and keep the photos somewhere safe.
Do
Ask for a receipt listing each document.
Write down the officer's name or number.
Tell your adviser which documents were taken.
Keep photographs or copies of every document.
Do not
Do not leave without asking for the receipt.
Do not sign a list you have not checked.
Help lines
Every number is written out, so you can dial it by hand or read it to someone else.
Migrant Help — Asylum helpline
0808 8010 503Free. 24 hours. For anyone in the UK asylum system.
migranthelpuk.org · checked 2026-09-18 · reviewed by audit · re-check by hand before launch
JCWI — Advice line
020 7251 8708Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. Check opening hours on their site.
jcwi.org.uk · checked 2026-09-18 · reviewed by audit · re-check by hand before launch
Detention and bail advice line
Number not verified — not shown
We only show a number once a person has checked it on the organisation’s own site.
Guidance drafted from public sources · to be reviewed by a UK immigration solicitor before launch