Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Liberia

Updated 2 February 2026

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, 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 Liberia 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 another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British Embassy in Monrovia (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 in the UK can also contact the British Embassy Monrovia or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas.

Contact details for British Embassy, Monrovia:

Tel: +231(0)777530320

Email: Monrovia.GeneralEnquiries@fcdo.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-monrovia

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 Liberia, notification by the authorities to the Embassy normally takes place within 24 hours after arrest, but this will depend on whether they have the detainee’s consent.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers
• 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, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. 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 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)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

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 family members

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 with authorities in Ghana.

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 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 Liberia

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Liberia for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Your lawyer may visit you at any time, as there are no scheduling restrictions for legal visits. However, family members and friends are only permitted to visit during official visiting hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no fixed limit on the number of family members or friends who may visit. However, the number of visitors may be restricted due to prevailing security conditions, such as the availability of prison officers to supervise visits. Family and friends do not require a permit to visit. Other visitors, such as humanitarian workers, are required to obtain a permit. Visitors are not permitted to bring prohibited items into the facility, including mobile phones, alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, or similar items.

What to expect when you visit

Visits take place in a communal visitation hall. All visitors are searched before entering the prison compound to ensure that no prohibited items are being brought in. Visits typically last between 10 and 15 minutes. However, they may be longer if there are few visitors on the day. A longer visit can be arranged when a family member has travelled from abroad, if the request is made in advance. Visits generally proceed as scheduled. During visits, a guard or prison officer does not listen to conversations but remains at a short distance to monitor the interaction and ensure that any items exchanged or given to the prisoner are permitted.

What you can take on your visit

A visitor can take food, letters/parcels on their visit for the detainee. Searches are conducted on all items before being allowed into the facility. Cell phones, alcoholic beverages, and drugs are all prohibited.

Visits: consular staff

We aim to visit you every quarter while you are under trial, though we may visit more often if it is necessary or in an emergency. If you are convicted, we will visit less often but will make an assessment of your vulnerability before deciding how often this will be.

During routine visits you will have the opportunity to discuss welfare concerns, health issues, security and other general issues that you wish to raise with us. At each visit, we will complete a “Visit Report Form” and, with your permission, will pass on updates to your family or friends.

You can write to us on matters that concern you and address it to: British Embassy, 12th Street Beachside, Leone Compound, Sinkor, Monrovia. Or phone us on: +231 (0) 777530320

Emergency trips outside of prison

It is possible for a prisoner to be granted temporary leave from the prison in urgent circumstances, such as funerals and critical illness of a prisoner’s next-of-kin.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When you are detained, the police must inform you of the reason for your detention. Liberia is an English‑speaking country, and all communication with the authorities, including recorded statements, is conducted in English.

In Liberia, you have several basic rights. One of these is the “Miranda right,” which requires the police to inform you that anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to a lawyer and may have your lawyer present during all stages of questioning. You also have the right to speak with your lawyer in private. Access to a lawyer generally includes being allowed to contact a family member, a friend, or a legal representative, or having your lawyer present during questioning. However, questioning may still proceed without your lawyer if you consent to it.

The police may keep you for up to 48 hours without formally arresting you. If you are suspected of a minor offence, you may be released while awaiting trial without having to pay bail; this is known as release on your own recognisance. If the alleged offence is more serious—such as aggravated assault, fraud, or rape—you may be formally arrested, charged, and detained.

Within 48 hours, you will appear before a public prosecutor, who will decide whether to initiate a prosecution. If the prosecutor considers the evidence insufficient, they may order your release or request further investigation while you remain in detention. During this period, you have the right to contact your lawyer, as well as your family and friends.

If, after 48 hours in police custody, you are unable to secure a bond at your first court appearance, you will be transferred to a prison under the authority of the court.

Once you are charged, you will be brought before a court. The period before your trial, called pre‑trial detention, can last from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the seriousness and complexity of the case.

Your basic rights as a detainee include the right to see a doctor, the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, and the right to a fair trial.

Appearing in court

In Liberia, a prosecution officially begins when any of the following happens (whichever comes first):

• a public prosecutor files an indictment against you; or
• a warrant of arrest, summons, or notice to appear is issued and delivered to you within a reasonable period of time

Most court trials in Liberia are open to the public.

You have the right to be represented by a lawyer of your choice during court proceedings. If your lawyer is not present, the trial cannot proceed unless you voluntarily waive this right. The judge is responsible for hearing and ruling on the case.

If you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, the state may appoint a public defender to represent you at no cost. However, there are limited numbers of public defenders available.

Initial arrival at the prison

When you arrive at the prison you will be taken to the admission area to be briefed on the rules and regulations of the prison, searched and routinely documented. Any valuables you bring with you will be taken for safekeeping, recorded in the prisoner property ledger, and a receipt will be issued. You will then be assigned to a cell, which is allocated based on factors such as your gender, the nature of the offence, etc.

When you first arrive at the prison, the prison authorities will collect your personal details for their records. This information typically includes your name, date of birth, health status, emergency contact details, and any disabilities or special needs. You have the right to make a telephone call upon arrival at the prison. This is usually done using the prison’s general telephone. In prison facilities where no general phone is available, arrangements may be made to use an officer’s or administrator’s personal phone, subject to payment of a reasonable fee. Calls may be made to both domestic and international numbers. You may choose to contact the British Embassy for assistance if you do not have anyone else to call.

In some prisons, such as the Monrovia Central Prison ‘South Beach’, there is an on‑site clinic staffed by nurses, and you will have access to prison‑provided medical care upon arrival. Where a prison does not have a clinic, or where a prisoner’s medical condition is too serious to be managed by prison medical staff, the prisoner will be transferred to a nearby government hospital for treatment. Requests for treatment at private or alternative medical facilities are generally denied due to security concerns and the risk of escape.

If you arrive at the prison with prescribed medication, you will be required to hand it over to the prison clinic or administrator. The medication will be stored securely and administered to you in accordance with medical instructions. Basic toiletries are provided by the prison authorities.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Prisons in Liberia are severely overcrowded and often have limited access to electricity and running water. Many facilities do not have toilets inside cells. Mobile phones and all forms of contraband, including alcohol and drugs, are strictly prohibited within Liberian prisons.

You are allowed to make telephone calls to your relatives and/or your lawyer, and there is no formal limit on the number of calls you may make. However, access to communication equipment is limited. As a result, prisoners may sometimes rely on prison staff or humanitarian organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Liberian Red Cross, to assist with communication.

For further information, see the 2022 report from the UNDP Office in Liberia on prison overcrowding  

Accommodation

Prisoners who have been sentenced and those on remand are held separately, usually in different cells at the prison. While some cells are shared, prisoners are generally grouped based on factors such as age, sex, and the nature of the offence. Prisons in Liberia are overcrowded and often have limited access to electricity, water, and in‑cell sanitation facilities.

Mattresses and blankets are sometimes provided. However, in some prisons bedding is unavailable, and prisoners may be required to sleep on mats instead.

Food and diet

In prison, you are entitled to receive two meals a day. However, at Monrovia Central Prison, only one meal is served daily. This meal is prepared to meet the basic nutritional requirements for the entire day. Special diets may be provided where required for medical reasons.

You may choose to supplement your diet by purchasing additional food from the prison shop, and it is advisable to do so in order to maintain good health. Most prisons do not have access to pipe-borne water; as a result, drinking water is typically obtained from hand‑operated pumps.

Hygiene

There is no limit on how many times in a week you can shower/bathe. Shower/bathing facilities are communal but to prisoners within a particular cell. The conditions of showers/toilets are poor and not kept to a high standard of hygiene. Basic toiletries are supplied by the prison authorities.

Work and study

If you are assessed as a low‑risk prisoner, you may be permitted to work and assist with daily chores within the prison. These tasks may include cooking, cleaning the wards and prison compound, fetching water, and carrying out farm work. However, there is no formal payment or earnings scheme for this work.

Prisons in Liberia generally do not have the capacity to offer educational courses to inmates. Nevertheless, self‑study is permitted for those who wish to pursue learning independently.

Contact and languages

Prisoners who are placed in the same cell are able to interact with one another. If a dispute arises between two prisoners, they may be separated and placed in different cells, and their contact with other inmates may be monitored. Prisoners are generally housed with other English‑speaking inmates, as English is Liberia’s official language and is commonly spoken by prison staff. Unfortunately, prisons do not offer language classes.

Detainees have access to telephones but are not permitted to keep a personal mobile phone in their cells. They also have access to basic writing materials. Internet access is not provided by the prison; however, in some cases, a prisoner may be allowed to privately arrange and pay for access.

Liberian prisons do not have libraries. Prisoners may, however, order books, magazines, and newspapers from outside. Prisoners are also allowed to watch television. There are no organised cultural, recreational, or social activities offered within the prison.

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

Exercise

During the day, you are permitted to leave your cell and move within the prison compound for exercise. Prisons generally have a large open area designated for this purpose. However, there is no additional exercise or fitness equipment available. Regular exercise is organised by the prison authorities.

Climate

The climate in Liberia is very different to that of the UK. For example, it is very hot and humid, with an intense rainy season for much of the year.

Religion

As Liberia is a secular state, you are entitled to practise your religion and to take part in religious services of your choice. You have the right to receive visits from a priest or minister of your faith. Some detention facilities in Liberia are staffed by religious ministers.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are explained to all prisoners upon arrival. Certain behaviours, such as insulting or abusing prison staff, are not permitted and may result in disciplinary action.

There is a reward and ranking system in place that allows prisoners to earn privileges for good behaviour. For example, for good behaviour, 3 days can be subtracted from each month of your remaining sentenced time. This is called remission. Positive conduct may also be recognised through participation in specific programmes, such as opportunities to assist with administrative work within the prison.

There are reports of drug use in some prisons in Liberia. Prison authorities conduct routine drug testing. Prisoners found to be using, possessing, selling, or receiving drugs may face disciplinary measures, including restrictions on visits from family and friends or the loss of remission privileges.

Safety incidents, such as fire outbreaks, may occasionally occur within prison facilities.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 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.

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. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

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.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

In Liberia, prisoners are permitted to receive up to 100 Liberian dollars (approximately USD 0.75) per day. Any additional funds are surrendered to the prison superintendent, who is responsible for managing the prisoner’s money. Withdrawals of larger amounts may only be authorised upon the prisoner’s release or where there is a genuine and justified need for part or all of the funds to be withdrawn.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources. You may be eligible for one of the three Prisoners Abroad Funds – the Craig Feehan Fund, the Vitamin Fund and/or the Medical Fund.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are detained, the Liberian government is responsible for ensuring that your basic medical needs are met. The healthcare system in Liberia faces significant challenges, including limited availability of medications and a shortage of doctors.

Prisons are often congested and overcrowded, which increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases. There is also a high risk of malaria while in prison, as malaria is widespread in Liberia.

Some prisons have clinics or are staffed by nurses; however, dental services are not available within prisons. If a prisoner wishes to see a doctor or dentist, they may inform a prison officer, who can arrange contact with the prison doctor or the prisoner’s private doctor or dentist on their behalf. Prison authorities provide only general medical treatment. Any specialised treatment must be paid for by the prisoner. Where specialist assessment or treatment is required, prisoners are taken to a nearby government hospital. For minor treatment, prisoners may be able to access private healthcare while in custody. There are no psychiatrists or psychologists available within Liberian prisons.

Prisoners who require glasses may be able to obtain them.

With the prisoner’s consent, prison authorities may contact your general practitioner (GP) in the UK if the police or prison doctor request access to previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Liberia does not have a national postal service. While some international courier companies operate in the country, in practice most local letters and parcels are delivered by hand to the recipient’s address.

Prisoners are permitted to send and receive mail and parcels, subject to inspection and clearance by prison authorities. There is no formal limit on the number of letters or parcels a prisoner may send or receive. However, senders should avoid including prohibited or potentially dangerous items, such as paper clips or other metal objects.

All letters and parcels should be clearly addressed with the prisoner’s full name written on the front. The sender’s full name and return address should be included on the back of the envelope or package.

Telephone calls

Mobile phones are not permitted in prisons in Liberia and will be confiscated by prison authorities if found in a prisoner’s possession.

Prisoners are allowed to make telephone calls to their relatives and/or their lawyers. There is no fixed limit on the number of calls permitted. However, access to communication equipment is limited, and prisoners may therefore need to rely on prison staff or humanitarian organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Liberian Red Cross, to assist with communication.

In facilities that do not have a free general telephone, prisoners may be allowed to pay a modest fee to guards to make phone calls. Prisoners are usually required to register the telephone number they wish to call in advance.

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 any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. 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.

If you have a complaint against a guard or prison officer, you should report it to your prison supervisor. If the complaint concerns the supervisor themselves, you should raise the matter directly with the prison superintendent, either immediately or when the superintendent is conducting their routine rounds.

Chapter 3: The Liberian judicial system

Overview

Liberia’s court system has several levels. Cases generally begin in the magisterial courts, proceed to the circuit courts, and may ultimately be appealed to the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country. Depending on the nature of the offence, cases may be decided either by a judge alone or by a jury.

If you are accused of a serious offence—such as fraud, murder, rape, or destruction of property—you have the right to choose whether your case is heard by a judge or decided by a jury. If you are accused of a minor offence (a misdemeanour), your case will be heard by a judge only and will begin in a magisterial court.

You will be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. In very serious cases, even if you plead guilty, the court may refuse to accept the plea and instead require the prosecution to present further evidence.

Criminal cases typically pass through several stages. These include investigation, arrest, and formal charging by the police, after which the case is brought before the court. If the offence is not eligible for bail, you will remain in pre‑trial detention until a verdict is reached.

Liberia has four court terms each year: the February Term, May Term, August Term, and November Term. Each term lasts 42 days, with the possibility of extensions. A trial may last for an entire term or longer. If bail is not granted, the accused will remain in prison in the area where the alleged offence occurred. The Criminal Procedure Law and Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution guarantee certain rights to accused persons throughout the legal process.

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

Liberian law requires that anyone who is detained must be informed of the reason for their arrest and must be allowed access to legal representation at all stages of the case. You must also be informed of your Miranda rights, including your right to speak to a lawyer and to make telephone calls, including international calls. All communication with the authorities is conducted in English.

You may be held at a police station or temporary detention facility for up to 48 hours. After this period, you must be brought before a court.

How long you can be remanded in custody

If the offence you are accused of is not bailable, you will remain in jail throughout your trial or legal proceedings. If the offence is bailable, a bond must be filed to guarantee that you will appear in court whenever required. The court may still refuse bail if it believes you might flee.

You will be taken to a prison only after the magisterial court issues a writ of arrest. Without this document, the prison cannot admit you.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Prisoners held on remand are presumed innocent until proven guilty and therefore generally have slightly better conditions, such as easier access to telephone calls. Sentenced prisoners have fewer privileges. Although both remand and sentenced prisoners are held within the same prison, they are usually accommodated in separate cells or blocks.

After you are charged

Once you have been formally charged, you will be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. At this stage, you must be informed of your basic rights, including:

• the right to inform someone of your detention
• the right to access a lawyer
• the right to challenge the legality of your detention
• the right to remain silent
• the right not to incriminate yourself (anything you say can be used against you in court)

All of this information will be given in English, the official language of Liberia.

Bail

The availability of bail depends on the seriousness of the offence. Serious crimes (felonies) are generally not eligible for bail. Even where bail is legally available, the court must be satisfied that you are unlikely to abscond before granting your release. Bail is rarely granted to foreign nationals due to concerns that they may leave the country. In some cases where bail is approved, the court may retain your passport to reduce the risk of flight.

If you are granted bail and fail to comply with the conditions imposed by the court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Cash bail is paid into a designated bank account. Property bail or insurance bail is paid directly to the court.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

Most private lawyers require an upfront payment before agreeing to take on a case. The cost of legal representation for a trial typically ranges from approximately USD 750 to over USD 1,500, depending on the complexity of the case.

Legal aid is available in Liberia. Public defenders are provided by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) and the Government of Liberia. To qualify for legal aid, a person must either meet the financial eligibility criteria or be a foreign national. Foreigners are generally considered vulnerable, as they often do not have family support in Liberia. However, legal aid is not available for all types of cases, and the number of public defenders is limited.

There is no requirement to submit a separate application for legal aid. During court proceedings, you will be asked whether you have legal representation. If you do not have a lawyer, the court may assign one to you.

Trial

A trial begins with a pre‑trial conference. Following this, the charges (indictment) are formally read out in court. The prosecution then presents its case, including evidence and legal arguments, to the jury. Both the prosecution and the defence may submit documents and other evidence. At this stage, the defence may apply to the judge for the case to be dismissed.

If the judge denies the application for dismissal, the defence must proceed with its case and seek to establish the defendant’s innocence.

After hearing both sides, the jury delivers a verdict. A verdict must be agreed upon by at least nine jurors.

A case proceeds to trial once the defendant has been indicted and the matter has been placed on the court’s official schedule.

Sentences

Courts usually give penalties such as fines or imprisonment. British nationals are not automatically deported to the UK after serving a sentence. Liberian law states that once someone has completed their sentence, all their rights are restored, including the right to continue living in Liberia.

Appeals

You have 60 days from the date of the final judgment to file an appeal. If the 60th day falls on a public holiday, the deadline is extended to the following day, even if that day is not a working day.

After a judgment has been issued, a person may also request a review of the case—often referred to as an “appeal right”—if new evidence is discovered after conviction.

Common grounds for appeal include:

• weak or insufficient evidence
• procedural errors during the trial
• inappropriate conduct or contact between the judge and the opposing party
• the existence of reasonable doubt

The prosecution also has the right to file an appeal.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

A prisoner can have their sentence reduced for good behaviour. 3 days are deducted from each month served.

Early release

The Parole Board may grant parole based on good behaviour. Sometimes, the court’s original judgment specifies when a prisoner becomes eligible for parole (for example, every 3 months).

Clemency or pardon

A prisoner may receive an official pardon.

Financial penalties

Fines are often used as part of a sentence.

Transfer to another prison within Liberia

A prisoner may be transferred to a different prison within Liberia.

Release and deportation

It is not common practice for foreigners who have committed offences and served their sentence to be deported, as all rights including the right to live in Liberia are restored.

However, if you do return to the UK on release, 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 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 the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement 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 on, 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

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’re 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.

Chapter 4: Additional information

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
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

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

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

89 – 93 Fonthill Road

London N4 3JH

UK

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

Prisoners Abroad Forms