Guidance

Information Pack for British Prisoners in Namibia

Updated 19 February 2024

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. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.         

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Namibia 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, high commission or consulate (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 local British High Commission 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. 

The British High Commission in Namibia
116 Robert Mugabe Avenue
Windhoek, Namibia

Tel: +264 61 274800

Use our contact form for consular enquiries: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-windhoek

Public access to the British High Commission in Windhoek is by appointment only.

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 Namibia, notification by the authorities to the High Commission varies.

Once notified, we aim to contact you as soon as possible.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters in Namibia.  See also Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid
• 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 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)
• 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

1. 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.

2. 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 Namibia.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Namibia

Visits: friends and family

1. Who can visit and how to arrange visits

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

Family and friends can arrange visits with the prison authorities. Visitors to prisons need to bring their IDs.

Visiting days and times are put up on notice boards at the prisons.

2. What to expect when you visit

Visits will take place in a meeting room under supervision. Visitors can expect to be searched. Visits take place as scheduled and are rarely interrupted unless warranted by the prison authorities. The same visiting hours apply even for a family member who has travelled from abroad. There are no vending machines inside Namibian prisons. Guards will be nearby and can listen in during visits.

3. What you can take on your visit

Visitors can bring food for prisoners. This will be searched. Any item that might be harmful is not allowed.

Visitors can also bring of certain items for babies (for example, personal hygiene, formula etc).

4. Visits: consular staff

Consular staff aim to visit you as soon as possible. The timing of our visit will depend on where you are imprisoned, and how quickly we receive permission from the authorities. The frequency of visits after sentencing depend on your circumstances.

The British High Commission will inform you through the prison authorities when we intend to visit. It may also be possible to arrange to speak to you over the phone instead.

You can write to us at any time on matters of concern, but if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to telephone us on your behalf.

Our postal address is:

PO Box 22202
Windhoek
Namibia

Tel: +264 61 274800

5. Emergency trips outside of prison

It is possible to make emergency trips outside the prison in the event that the prisoner is ill and requires urgent medical attention. Arrangements can sometimes be made with prison authorities for prisoners to attend funerals of their next-of-kin. This, however, will depend on permission from the prison authorities.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

1. Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When you are arrested you will be taken to the police. Appearance before the magistrate should take place within 48 hours of your arrest. Thereafter, you will be detained at the police station holding cells until your first court appearance.

The person arresting you must inform you of the cause of the arrest in a language you understand.

You will be entitled to a lawyer from the time of your arrest and throughout the legal process.

You also have the right to an interpreter if one is required. Most police officers in Namibia will speak English. 

Immediately after arrest you will be kept in police holding cells. Please note that the holding cells can get overcrowded. A registry of your personal items is kept. You will have access to water and food, though limited. If you can afford a private doctor you can see one.

2. Appearing at court

After you have been arrested, the law says you must appear before a magistrate within 48 hours. Depending on circumstances, you may appear in court immediately after being charged. If the 48 hours expires outside ordinary court hours or court days, you will be brought before the court at the end of the first following court day. There is no jury system in Namibia. You will receive sufficient time to secure a lawyer. The court will appoint a lawyer for you if you are not able to get one. Court appointed lawyers and proceedings are carried out in English as the official language for Namibia.

Read more information about the Namibia judicial system link to section: the Namibian judicial system

3. Initial arrival at the prison

If the court determines you are to remain in custody whilst you wait for your trials, you will be transferred to a prison. Your personal belongings will be confiscated and logged in on a property register. Any cash you have on hand will be put in a register and you will receive a receipt for it. You are discouraged from bringing cash or a lot of personal belongings to prison.

You have the right to make a phone call upon arrival at the prison. Calls are limited to domestic numbers. You can contact the British High Commission in Windhoek should you require us to inform your next of kin on your behalf.

You will receive a medical examination upon arrival at the prison. If you rely on medication you will need to inform the prison authorities and the doctor. You will be required to wear prison attire. A limited amount of toiletries will be provided by the prison authorities.

Any belongings you have are booked at the police station and transferred to the prison where you will be held. The British High Commission cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. Your passport and driver’s licence are usually retained at the courts or with the investigating officers until you are found innocent, or the end of your prison sentence. Please note that your passport might be kept by the courts as evidence of the alleged crime or as a condition for bail or parole. This measure is taken by the courts to prevent you from skipping bail.

Prison: conditions and daily life

There are various prisons around the country in Namibia. Some have only males (e.g. Walvisbay Prison). Overcrowding of prison and police holding cells are becoming a major problem. Prisoners receive three daily meals and clothes provided by the Government.

Prisoners are classified into one of four (A-D) grades, with grade D having the least privileges. These grades determine the extent of privileges (for example, work, number and duration of visits) that can be obtained within the prison system.

1. Accommodation

Sentenced prisoners and those on remand are held separately. Male and female prisoners are also held separately when sentenced. Prisoners below 17 years are treated as juveniles and thus separated from the adults aged 18 years and above. All prisoners whether Namibian or foreign are all treated the same and no special privileges are given to foreign nationals.

There are shared and single cells. Prison authorities try to ensure that there is no overcrowding in the cells for sentenced prisoners. To avoid overcrowding sentenced prisoners are moved to prisons in other regions.

Prison cells have standard bedding with mattresses provided by the government. Prisoners can bring their own blankets, but they need to be approved by the authorities, who have a standard format in place. Showers, washbasins and toilets are available. Running water and electricity are also available. Some sections of the prison allow for natural light. Most areas are well ventilated, however, some areas do not have ceilings in order to allow for better ventilation.

2. Food and diet

The prison authorities serve a basic diet three times daily (breakfast at 7:30, light lunch at 11:00 and dinner at 15:00).  A special diet can only be provided on medical grounds (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure). Drinking water is available. Prisoners can supplement their meals with food provided by family members and/or friends following inspection by the prison authorities. There are no tuck shops available.

Muslim prisoners are allowed to eat their food in the evening during Ramadan. Babies and infants detained with their mother and sick prisoners receive a special diet.

3. Hygiene

All cells have showers. There is no limit on how many times a week prisoners can bathe. Namibian prisons provide toiletries, while stocks last. There are no tuck shops. You can ask the prison authorities to buy additional toiletries. Toiletries can also be supplied by family.

The level of hygiene and maintenance at most prisons is good. However, some police cells have faulty toilets and may not be very clean.

4. Work and study

Some sentenced prisoners work while in prison. The roles are available are generally related to maintaining the prison (e.g. gardening, laundry, carpentry, welding, cleaning, and cooking). Work is not compulsory for prisoners, but offer an opportunity for rehabilitation. Prisoners can receive money for their work. Prisoners who work have a working day of 7 to 10 hours daily. Some prisoners who work outside prison (e.g. farming) may not receive wages for prison work.

Prisoners can also participate in industrial workshops/programmes (e.g. sewing, welding, brick-making, and mechanics).

Study opportunities can be arranged with the prison authorities. External examinations can be arranged outside the prison grounds. English is the official language in Namibia and as such studies are offered in English.

Most prisons across Namibia have access to libraries that have English and Afrikaans books and magazines. However, they are old. There is no access to the internet.

5. Contact and languages

Contact with other prisoners is not restricted, if a prisoner is not in solitary confinement. Prisoners are allowed to talk during meal times, recreation times, when they wash their clothes or at times provided for based on the timetable for each cell.

English is the official language for Namibia, but most people will speak another language, such as Oshiwambo or Afrikaans as their first language. Prison guards speak English. Prisoners are mixed and not based on cultural tribes or nationalities. Therefore, prisoners speaking different languages can be put together in a cell. The prisons do not provide language classes.

Prisoners do have access to prison phones. Depending on the level of security, prisoners can make calls. Prisoners can receive calls through the prison authorities. Prisoners are not allowed access to mobile phones. Prisoners caught with mobile phones inside the prison will be punished according to the prison’s regulations.

There is the possibility to request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

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

6. Exercise

Prisoners are permitted to exercise outdoors in the courtyards for one hour a day, depending on the security level. The exercise facilities are limited and the space in the courtyards may not always be sufficient. Exercise is not organised by prison authorities.

7. Climate

Namibia is a semi-arid nation with very hot conditions in the summer and very cold winters. Standard clothing is issued. Prison authorities provide shoes. The prison authorities can also purchase shoes on your behalf, if your family or friends pay for them. 

8. Religion

Namibia is a secular state that has a high percentage of Christians. Prisoners are entitled to take part in religious services. Prisoners have the right to receive visits from a priest, rabbi or minister of their faith with the approval of the prison authorities. Detention facilities are not staffed by religious ministers. There are no proper places of worship in the prisons and none in the police stations.

9. Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are explained to prisoners upon arrival. Prisoners are expected to treat each other and the staff with respect. You can receive additional punishment if you do not follow the rules and regulations.

You are able to apply for work within the prisons if you exhibit good behaviour.

It is known that drug trafficking between prisoners is widespread. You can contract infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis) if you use drugs. Possession of any kind of drug (e.g. marijuana, mandrax) is a criminal offence and punishable by law. Tobacco cigarettes are allowed inside Namibian prisons.

Safety in prison is a concern. Should you have any concerns please inform the wardens immediately. You can also raise it with your lawyer or the British High Commission (Tel: +264 61 274800) who in turn will inform the prison authorities, if you give us consent to do so.

Prison: access to help and services

1. 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 the country 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.

It will not be possible to receive money into a prison bank.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity, 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.

2. Medical and Dental treatment

While you are detained, Namibia is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or dentist through consultation with the prison authorities. It can also be arranged that you see doctors outside prison should you have your own doctor. Prison doctors are often the equivalent of GPs in the UK, so unusual or complex problems may be referred to a specialist outside of prison.

All medical attention to detainees is provided by the Namibian equivalent of the UK National Health Service (NHS). The standard may not be the same as the NHS.

Prison authorities can also arrange that a prisoner see a state psychiatrist or social worker should they require one.

Medication prescribed by the doctors provided by the prison authorities are given by the Namibian government. Prisoners may need to pay for specialised treatment should it not be made available by the state.

There are no prison hospitals. Prison authorities will transfer prisoners to hospitals if required.

In case of medical emergencies prisoners should inform the prison guards on duty.

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

3. Letters and parcels

Prisoners can receive and send mail. Please be aware that the letters are checked. Only letters to the Ombudsman’s office are not censored.

If prisoners receive a letter/parcel, the sender should include the full name, surname on the front, as well as their own address on the back.

4. Telephone calls

Mobile phones are not permitted in prisons. Prisoners found with mobile phones can risk punishment which includes (but is not limited to) reduction of privileges, and loss of reduction in sentence. Prisoners can apply to make telephone calls. The limit on the number of calls a prisoner can make depends on their grade. International call may not be permissible.

5. 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.

When lodging a complaint with the prison authorities you can speak to the Unit Manager who may require you to make your statement in writing.

Chapter 3: The Namibian judicial system

Overview

Unlike the UK, Namibia uses judges. The judiciary consists of three levels namely, lower, high and supreme courts. Lower courts can be found in all 14 regions of Namibia. The High Court and Supreme Court are located in the capital city, Windhoek.

Prisoners can enter different pleas (i.e. guilty, not guilty, that s/he is already convicted or acquitted of the offence or that s/he has received a free pardon from the State President).

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

1. What should happen after you are arrested

If detained, you have the right to be informed of the reason for your arrest. You also have the right to make a domestic phone call to speak to a family member or your lawyer. You should tell police authorities if you wish to inform the British High Commission of your arrest. In most instances when British Nationals are imprisoned, the Namibian police will inform the High Commission of such imprisonment, but this doesn’t always happen straight away.

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

2. How long you can be remanded in custody

You should be brought to court and charged within 48 hours of your arrest. Once in court you will hear the charges brought against you and you will be required to submit your plea. You may be kept on remand in custody in between your first court appearance and your trial or released on bail. Depending on the severity of the crime you can be kept at a holding cell. These holding cells are often overcrowded. Serious offenders are transferred to prison. If found guilty after your trial you will be transferred to prison in the region and/or court where the proceedings took place. Transfers to prisons require a minimum sentencing of four days.

You can appeal your sentencing in writing within seven days if sentenced in a Lower Court or within 15 days if sentenced in the High Court.

Prisoners in remand are also allowed to request to make a phone call. It can take months before cases come to trial.

3. Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Prisoners on remand can be kept in police holding cells or in prison if space is not available in the holding cells. Prisoners on remand have the same rights as sentenced prisoners.

4. After you are charged

Once formal charges have been laid, you will be informed of your rights (e.g. the rights to notify a third person; access a lawyer; challenge the lawfulness of detention; remain silent; not incriminate themselves etc.). This will be done in English, which is the official language of Namibia. You will be given an opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty at the first court appearance (usually within 48 hours). You will be informed of your charges.

You will also be given the right to apply for legal assistance, should you not have your own lawyer.

5. Bail

Depending on the nature of the charge and the severity of the crime you may be granted bail. Bail conditions are the same for British nationals and Namibians. You may be granted bail at your first court appearance if you are charged with a less serious crime. Bail is set in line with the type of crime committed and by the recommendation of the public prosecutor. You may have to surrender your travel documents (e.g. passport) to the investigating officer.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

1. Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of English-speaking lawyers in Namibia. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

Legal aid is provided by the State if you can’t afford a private lawyer. If you wish to hire a private lawyer, a list of English-speaking lawyers is provided at the end of this pack. Prisoners Abroad can also supply information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

Some private lawyers may require a cash advance before taking on a legal case. You will need to pay for legal assistance and translation services that are not provided by the state.

2. Trial

The conduct of proceedings at the court will be as follows:

1. The Prosecutor may address the court for the purpose of explaining the charge.
2. The Prosecutor may then give evidence.
3. The accused may address the court and present evidence.
4. The accused may also examine any witnesses for the defence or any documentation received in evidence.
5. Closing arguments from both the legal representative of the accused and the State prosecutor.
6. The judge will ask you to give mitigation statement.
7. Sentencing will take place.

No specific timeline can be given for when a trial goes to court as this depends on the investigating process as well as the availability of a court date. It may take months or even years for your case to come to court.

3. Sentences

Penalties are often handed down (eg. fines and/or victim compensation; exclusion orders; community service; time in prison). Namibia does not have the death penalty.

4. Appeals

You can file for an appeal within seven days in a lower court and 15 days in a high court. The party noting the appeal shall prosecute within 21 days in a lower court. The court may require you to incur the costs of the appeal.

Bail can be paid immediately once granted at the magistrate (clerk’s office) or the police station where you are remanded. Some bail conditions may require you to report regularly to the nearest police station where you are residing.

If you fail to adhere to the bail conditions set, you will be arrested and bail will be forfeited to the State. If you are acquitted of a crime, the bail money will be returned to you.

Reaching the end of your sentence

1. Reduction of sentence (remission)

Prisoners may earn remission on their sentences (e.g. based on good behaviour) for certain crimes.

2. Early release

Early release on parole is available pending on the sentence. Parole is subject to conditions such as good behaviour and undertaking routine tasks as may be required by the authorities.

3. Clemency or pardon

There is provision for clemency or a pardon from the President of the Republic of Namibia. You can apply for this. Letters need to be addressed to the Minister of Home Affairs, Safety & Security. It is not necessary to have a lawyer to apply for a pardon, but prisoners may wish to seek legal counsel before doing so.

4. Financial penalties

The courts may impose a fine either as an alternative or together with imprisonment.

5. Transfer to another prison within Namibia

Transfer to another prison within Namibia is possible. This is normally for health reasons, court appearances, or if the sentence is short. This is also done to avoid overcrowding within prisons. It may be more difficult for women to get a prison transfer, as not all prisons can house women.

6. Transfer to a prison in the UK

Transfer to serve your sentence in a UK prison is not currently possible. Namibia and the UK do not have a Prisoner Transfer Agreement.

7. Release and deportation

It is common practice for foreigners who have committed offences to be deported after they have completed their sentence. Upon the conclusion of your sentence you will be released in the care of the immigration officers, whereby the necessary arrangements will be made for you to be deported. Deportation can take anything from 48 hours to several months as the authorities wait to have sufficient prisoners from various countries before deportation takes place. The State generally pays for deportation. However, in some instances you may be required to cover the expense of your deportation on your own, in the event that you want to leave the country earlier than when the State is able to deport you.

You can contest your deportation if you appeal your judgement by informing a lawyer. However, it may be a very lengthy and difficult process.

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 arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with for advice, 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 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.

You can also apply to Heathrow Travel Care, who may be able to provide you with:

• trauma support
• humanitarian assistance (e.g. clothing, food etc)

Heathrow Travel Care is located in:

Room 00142, North Wing, Terminal 3,
Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 1BZ

Tel: +44 (0)208 745 7495

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

• The Salvation Army
  • UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888
  • Monday to Friday 8:00 to 16:00, or contact your local Salvation Army branch
• The Prison Fellowship
  • UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500
  • Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

8. 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

Additional Information

1. 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  9:30 to 16:30pm (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 in Namibia
• Prisoners Abroad Forms